During the National Culture Week (NCW) in Bobo Dioulasso, the economic capital of Burkina Faso, a village of communities was set up at the craft village, with the flags of several countries flying overhead. This was a sign of an inclusive participation of the countries which have each set up a stand displaying their products. In the middle of the vast courtyard, sits a giant podium for the parade and other artistic performances. Each country demonstrates its know-how in a spirit of shared values and cultural mixing. 

Despite the strong heat wave of April 30, 2023 in Bindougousso, in sector 14 of Bobo Dioulasso, the Guinean community residing in Burkina Faso held in suspense, by musical animations, the public that flocked to the Community Village.

Young Guineans, dressed in white t-shirts stamped “Councils of Guineans of Burkina Faso”, sketch energetic dance steps to the rhythm of the balafon and other musical instruments under a burst of applause from the amazed audience.

Guinea Conakry was the guest of honor of this 20^th edition of the National Culture Week (NCW) which was held under the theme of “cultural diversity, cement of national unity”.

The Guinean Minister in charge of Culture, Tourism and Handicrafts expressed his happiness for the honor that has been done to his country. “National Culture Week (NCW) is now a celebration for all of Africa. For the next editions normally all African countries must come to share with Burkina Faso this joie de vivre, “said Alpha Soumah, in the presence of his counterpart, the Burkinabe Minister in charge of Culture, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.

By visiting various stands, Mr. Soumah said he was seduced by the processing of local products that he considers an added value for the economic and social development of the continent. “We visited the stands and there is a fierce desire to work with local products and label them. This should inspire all of Africa,” he suggested; adding “feeling more African through the NCW”.

For the Minister Delegate, in charge of Regional Cooperation of Burkina Faso, the Village of Communities is “a journey inside Africa”. According to Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, the initiative offers a great opportunity to meet among Africans, between brothers in family in order to relive values, to reconnect with what founded Africa, which remains the essence of Africa.

Visibly enthusiastic about the setting, visitors parade in front of the various stands to discover art objects on display or taste different dishes on offer.

At the stand of Congo Brazza, just next door is that of Rwanda and Cameroon followed by the stand of Guinea where a giant portrait of the president of the transition Mamadi Doumbouya catches the eye.

On the same lane, we see the flag of Senegal with the photo of its president followed by the stand of Chad then that of Congo DRC without forgetting Togo … There are also the different ethnic communities of Burkina Faso.

At the Congo Brazza stand, Mrs. Ouédraogo/Nakavoua Hombessa Josiane, very busy in the kitchen, responds with a smile to our courtesies. She arrived in Burkina Faso 18 years ago. But she still remembers a warm welcome when she landed in 2005 in the land of upright people. Having just married a Burkinabe makes her the successful example of cultural mixing on the African continent.  “This cultural melting pot is a chance that is not given to everyone to experience. As a family, we speak Dioula with my husband and children.  To the latter, I also teach them Lingala,” she describes the family atmosphere.

Mrs. Ouédraogo presented us a dish. This is “saka-saka“, a cassava leaves stew. The pleasant flavor as well as the appetizing appearance makes “saka-saka” an irresistible specialty of African cuisine.

Visibly ecstatic by these moments of sharing, Mrs. Ouédraogo thinks that “it feels good to be with other brothers from other African countries. It’s the same family.”

After emptying Mrs. Ouédraogo’s glass of ginger, Dialogue Migration headed to the Togo stand where Mrs. Konou Gérardine Gomes welcomes her visitors in “Dioula” language. She has lived in Bobo Dioulasso for 13 years.

From its host city, she appreciates community life where mutual aid and sharing are the best shared values.

In her stand, she offers several culinary recipes to the people she receives. On the menu of the day, on a large dish, we see the “tò” (corn-based doughlike food) or “ablo-akassa” (white rice doughlike food). There is also the “donkounou”, a kind of “tò” that is characterized by its sour taste.