Bougouriba: A latent crisis opposing the sister villages of Bondigui and Mougue since 2019 had a happy ending on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Mougue, thanks to a mediation led by the second vice-president of the Special Delegation of the commune of Bondigui, Bema Ouattara, in the presence of the customary authorities and community actors of the two localities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this crisis stems from a violent altercation that occurred after the final of the Primary School Sports and Culture Organization (OSCEP) tournament, held in May 2019 at the Bondigui Primary School "A". A miscalculation of the number of shots remaining after the decisive final shot that secured the victory for the Mougue team sparked anger among some Bondigui supporters. Mougue players and fans were then attacked, resulting in several injuries of varying severity.
In response to this incident, the traditional authorities of Mougue had forbidden the village children from participating in the activities of the OSCEP (Office for the Study and Promotion of Children) of the Bondigui Basic Education District (CEB). The situation, which had worsened over the years, had nearly escalated into a land crisis, with threats of the confiscation of arable land farmed by Bondigui residents.
Thanks to the joint efforts of the land chief of Bondigui, Sie Palm, whose personal commitment helped to ease land tensions, and the second vice-president of the Special Delegation, Bema Ouattara, who multiplied consultations, the lines gradually changed.
A delegation led by the traditional chief of Bondigui, including the president of OSCEP and a large representation of community stakeholders, traveled to Mougue to meet with the traditional authorities of the neighboring village. Addressing the delegation, the traditional chief of Mougue, Moutian Traore, surrounded by dignitaries, announced the village's decision to definitively turn the page through the performance of traditional reconciliation rites, the acceptance of forgiveness, and the authorization granted to the children of Mougue to resume their participation in the sports and socio-cultural activities of the Bondigui Community Education Center (CEB).
The traditional authorities of Mougue took this opportunity to invite their brothers from Bondigui to cultivate a spirit of sportsmanship, reminding them that in any competition, victory can change sides. The chief of Bondigui commended the spirit of listening and cohesion that prevailed throughout the process, urging the youth to adopt responsible behaviors in favor of social peace.
Welcoming this outcome, Mr. Ouattara stated that this crisis had deprived several generations of students of an opportunity for expression and personal growth. As a sign of renewed reconciliation, OSCEP officials announced that the official launch ceremony for the 2025-2026 OSCEP season would be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Mougue.
The meeting ended in an atmosphere of joy, fraternity and renewed hope for a lasting peaceful coexistence between the two communities.