Bamako: The 5th edition of the International Handicrafts Fair of Mali (SIAMA) dedicated a special day to the guest countries of honor, with a particular focus on Burkina Faso and Niger. The event, marked by a strong mobilization of the Burkinabe delegation and a large public, is part of the dynamic of the Year of Culture 2025, placed under the leadership of the President of the Transition of Mali, General Assimi Goita.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Burkinabe Minister in charge of Handicrafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, praised the initiative and expressed his gratitude to the organizers of SIAMA, led by the Malian Minister Mamou Daffe. He emphasized that this event provides a valuable platform for showcasing African creative talent. He noted that craftsmanship is more than an economic activity: it is a driver of innovation, a social link, and an essential crucible for preserving traditions.
The day dedicated to the guest countries of honor provided an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural and artisanal heritage of Burkina Faso and Niger. Visitors were able to discover a variety of handcrafted products, as well as a gastronomic palette emblematic of Burkina Faso's local cuisine. Among the dishes offered were Gonre (steamed bean cake), Babenda (a preparation made from sorrel leaves and peanut powder), Zoom-koum (a traditional drink made from millet flour), and Zamne, made from boiled apatam fruits. The iconic bicycle chicken, a national culinary pride, was also given pride of place.
The artistic dimension was not neglected. Festival-goers were thrilled by the rhythm of traditional songs and dances from Burkina Faso, performed by a troupe that has won several awards at the National Culture Week. This performance symbolized the deep attachment of the peoples of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to their common heritage within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Minister Poda encouraged participants to embrace this dynamic of cultural and economic cooperation, emphasizing that SIAMA remains an ideal platform for strengthening ties between artisans, creators, and cultural stakeholders. He concluded by calling for continued efforts to promote the consumption of local products and support the development of the craft sector.