Burkina faso: Around twenty cultural and recreational events deemed contrary to public morals have been banned. The Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism (MCCAT), as part of a campaign for cleanup and civic education, has ordered several promoters of cultural and festive events to suspend the organization of their activities deemed contrary to good morals and the cultural values advocated by the Popular Progressive Revolution, AIB has learned. For the Ministry, these demonstrations are likely to undermine public morality, public order, good morals, and the protection of minors.
According to Burkina Information Agency, eighteen demonstrations are affected by this ban. The events include The Out Side organized by Zephir Event in Loumbila, Golden Moment by Golden Event in Ouaga 2000, and Young Day by Event Days. Other events such as Tropical Summer at Club Hanane, Ouaga Show Piscine Party at H´tel Pr©sidence Kouritenga, and Happy Run Blue Ouaga organized by Tamaro Boyz are also on the list. The Chill and Barbecue by Petro Event, Afro Trap-Crazy by Event House, and All White Party by Vibes by J have also been deemed non-compliant.
In addition, Urban Vibes by Bru Event in Bobo-Dioulasso, Ouaga Summer by Hot Event, and Sun and Fun-Kam City by Event's and Association of tomorrow's leaders face similar bans. The list continues with Ouaga Plage by Ebony Group, Top Vacances by Sire Event's, Infinity Moment by Event's Group, Ouaga Fiesta by Youth Event, Ouaga Vibes by RF Group, and Festy Luchas by Didi Event's.
The Ministry has stated that failure to comply with these orders could result in appropriate administrative measures, including the potential application of legal sanctions. These sanctions range from a warning to a ban on practicing any profession or artistic or related activity, including the withdrawal of authorization and fines the Ministry in charge of Culture and Arts has launched a comprehensive campaign to clean up the sector, drawing on Law No. 004-2025/ALT. This law, effective from March 27, 2025, regulates the status of artists in Burkina Faso. Article 15 of the law mandates compliance with existing laws and regulations in the production, reproduction, distribution, and dissemination of artistic works.
Article 18 stipulates that professional artistic activity requires authorization from the relevant ministry, while Article 32 prohibits artists from promoting creative activities that contravene public order and morality. Article 34 imposes ethical and professional conduct rules on professional artists.
In a related development, the artist Kosa Pic received a similar warning on Thursday to remove publications related to his latest creation, which was deemed contrary to public morals.