Ouagadougou: Women and children of Bomborokuy took to the streets on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to participate in the traditional "Sn wele," a ceremony aimed at invoking the return of rains. This event comes amid growing concerns over the current agricultural campaign, which has been impacted by irregular rainfall.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the participants engaged in a procession through various streets of the village, singing songs and offering prayers for the regular return of rain. As a symbolic gesture, some of the participants poured or threw water on passers-by and acquaintances they met along their route. This act is part of a traditional practice that symbolizes an appeal for water and expresses the hope for adequate rainfall to nourish the fields.

Armed with boxes, gourds, and dishes, the women and children traversed several streets in Bomborokuy, spreading a message of optimism for local producers whose crops are heavily reliant on consistent rainfall. The mobilization is timely, as the state of some crops is increasingly concerning. In many plots, plants are showing signs of water stress, with wilting or yellowing leaves and stunted growth due to inadequate rain.

For the agricultural community, a consistent resumption of rain would enable crops to complete their growth cycle under better conditions, preserving hopes for a successful harvest. This community mobilization underscores the critical role of rain in the daily lives of rural populations and their reliance on traditional practices like "Sn wele" to confront the challenges posed by an unpredictable agricultural season.