From 7 to 9 November 2025, Bobo-Dioulasso hosted a three-day festival celebrating cultural exchange and cooperation through discussions and panels centred around the theme “Culture and Fraternity at the Heart of the Sahel: History, Security Challenges and Social Cohesion between Chad and Burkina Faso”.

Well integrated Chadian community

There are now more than 3,000 Chadians living in Burkina Faso, most of whom are students, but there are also traders and entrepreneurs among them. They are considered a valuable cultural and economic asset. Mamouna Nombré, a Burkinabè trader and a festival attendee, explains: “On closer inspection, we find that there are similarities in the things we produce, such as cereals and other crops. The Chadians who live here work closely with the local people. There is no discernible difference. Their proficiency in Dioula language is testament to their deep affection for Burkina Faso and they demonstrate a commendable level of commitment and dedication.”

Shared hospitality

Burkina Faso has long been recognised for its welcoming approach towards migrants. This reputation is highlighted by Christ Nelson Noël Modekpo, a Central African entrepreneur and president of the Dieu Père des Orphelins (God, The Father of Orphans) association: “Burkina Faso is a hospitable country that welcomes many foreigners, including Central Africans. We feel at home here. We are free to live and work as we wish and the Burkinabè people treat us like family.”

Strong historical and cultural ties

During the panel discussion on the historical and sociocultural links between Chadian and Burkinabè communities, Augustin Toloum Doumbé, a legal expert and human resources consultant, emphasised this point. Referring to the work of Cheikh Anta Diop and Joseph Ki-Zerbo, he reminded participants that migratory movements have forged strong bonds among the Mossi, Fula and Gourmantché peoples, who have a shared history, beliefs and rituals, and a deep sense of community.

Culture as a driver of social cohesion

Service Napoléon, an economist and communicator, emphasised the role of culture in fostering social cohesion and fraternity. “Cultural values such as hospitality, community spirit, respect for elders and solidarity are widely shared in both countries. We must capitalise on this wealth,” he stated, presenting images that illustrated the cultural diversity and richness of Chad and Burkina Faso.

A festival celebrating oneness!

Over the course of three days, around a thousand visitors had the chance to sample and discover traditional Chadian dishes such as karkandji, marara and kanda. Cultural stands showcased traditional artefacts from both countries, fostering a sense of belonging and fraternity. Discussions about food, languages and traditions emphasised that solidarity and collaboration are values that are alive and well in both migrant and local communities.