Ouagadougou: Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo has called upon the members of the Steering Committee of the Institute of Black Peoples-Farafina (IPN-Farafina) to approach their mission with humility, courage, and a sense of duty. The call to action was made during their official installation on Tuesday, symbolizing the revival of an institution originally envisioned by President Thomas Sankara to help black people understand their history, embrace their dignity, and contribute to global progress.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that the reestablishment of IPN-Farafina is a reflection of Burkina Faso's ambition to reclaim its cultural and intellectual sovereignty by prioritizing culture, memory, science, and identity. He underscored the importance of cultural, scientific, linguistic, and spiritual sovereignty as integral components of the nation's broader revolutionary and solidarity movements across the Sahel.
Prime Minister Ouedraogo reminded the committee that a nation unaware of its history and unable to value its knowledge remains vulnerable to various forms of domination. He expressed hope that IPN-Farafina would evolve into a strategic tool for liberating minds, celebrating African heritage, and fostering a dignified and united Africa.
He also highlighted the committee's responsibility to guide the Institute's strategic decisions, maintain its foundational mission, and establish it as a hub for research, training, and dialogue. The emphasis was further placed on promoting values, cultures, national languages, and indigenous knowledge as well as contributing to public policies related to education, culture, and research.
The Prime Minister urged the committee to transform their diverse skills into practical actions that advance research, patriotic education, the preservation of archives, and the strengthening of partnerships. He called on the Institute to awaken African consciousness and resist contemporary forms of domination through knowledge, organization, discipline, and solidarity.
Claude Aime Tassembedo, Chairman of the Steering Committee, commended President Ibrahim Traore's vision and dedication to national sovereignty, which have reinvigorated the Institute. He reiterated the alignment of IPN-Farafina with President Thomas Sankara's belief that a nation must understand its history and value its culture to achieve true dignity.
Tassembedo outlined the committee's duties in defining strategic directions, ensuring governance quality, and supporting the Institute's growth. He expressed the commitment of the committee to establish a credible and sustainable institution serving Burkina Faso, Africa, and future generations. He also conveyed the aspiration for the Institute to be a place where Burkinabe, African, and diaspora youth find pride in their history, confidence in their identity, and hope for the future.
The Steering Committee members installed include Claude Aime Tassembedo, Franklin Nyamsi, Nathalie Yamb, Abdoul Niang, Sogoyou Kokou Keguewe, Sie De Bindoute Da, Serge Bayala, Boukary Nebie, Eric Wilfrid Yirim Zoure, Wendlarima Hyacinthe Ouedraogo, San Simon Coulibaly, and Zakaria Koumare.