Ouagadougou: The second edition of the Tamasheq Culture Festival (FECTA) was officially launched Friday at the National Museum of Ouagadougou, under the theme: 'Promoting Culture: A Vector for Peace, Resilience, and Community Development.' For 72 hours, the festival aims to establish culture as an instrument of cohesion, dialogue, and rapprochement between communities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the chairman of the organizing committee, Issoufa Mouzerata Ag Dicko, stated that FECTA reflects the desire to promote and protect Tamasheq cultural heritage. "In the past, our attire was misinterpreted. It was important to value it so that our brothers understand that it is our culture, and nothing else," he said.
Mr. Dicko emphasized that culture constitutes a national strategy capable of affirming identity, healing wounds, and contributing to the building of the country. "Through FECTA, we are participating in the ambition of the Transition: to make our rich cultural heritage an engine of sovereignty and development," he maintained.
The festival aims to be a space for resilience, reflection, and cultural appreciation. Conferences, a market street, exhibitions, gastronomy, a cultural village, and presentations of traditional housing are among the main activities. "During these three days, we have the opportunity to discover, learn, share, and celebrate what unites us. Our differences are the harmonious colors of the same flag: that of a strong, proud, and united Burkina Faso," added Mr. Dicko.
Representing the Minister of Culture, Special Advisor Amadou Dicko praised the initiative as "meaningful and conducive to dialogue." He stated that FECTA fosters a deeper understanding of Tamasheq culture and offers other communities an opportunity to discover its richness, thus contributing to peace and social cohesion. "Knowing each other better leads to better understanding," he affirmed.
The 2025 edition welcomes delegations from Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, who are guests of honor. The Djan community is also being celebrated.