Bam: The High Commissioner of Bam Province, Karim Ou©draogo, officially launched the first edition of the Festival on the shores of Lake Bam (Koom Noor©) on Saturday in Kongoussi, on behalf of the Minister in charge of Culture, calling on the people to make culture a lever for resilience, social cohesion, and community revival, in a national context marked by multiple challenges.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this first edition, placed under the theme "Resilience and Renaissance," reflects the capacity of the Burkinabe to overcome hardships while preserving their fundamental values. Karim Ou©draogo emphasized that in the current context marked by many challenges, culture remains a powerful instrument of resilience, unity, and hope. The festival aims to provide a framework for gathering, dialogue, and cultural appreciation aimed at strengthening the social fabric and promoting living together.

Initiated by Dr. Fid¨le Wendegouidi Ou©draogo, a lecturer and researcher in art history at Norbert Zongo University, the event will take place from May 15 to 17, 2026, in Kongoussi. The organizer stated that the Koom Noor© Festival aims not only to promote Burkinab¨ culture but also to showcase the resilience of the Bam people. He invited all the sons and daughters of the province to embrace this cultural initiative.

The event's boss, Professor Henry Gauthier Ou©draogo, praised the initiative and urged festival-goers to provide long-term support for this cultural event. The program for this first edition includes performances by artists, exhibitions, and a tourist hike along the shores of Lake Bam. This edition follows the organization by the promoter of the Cultural and Artistic Meeting of Schoolchildren (RENCAR) and the Warba Challenge Festival.