Tenkodogo: Departing from Ouagadougou for a journey through several regions of the country, the "Burkina Faso Motorcycle Tour" made its first major stop in Tenkodogo, where nearly 300 motorcyclists celebrated culture, solidarity, and social cohesion on Saturday. This cultural and tourist caravan, initiated by motorcycle clubs in Burkina Faso, aims to promote peace, living together, and the discovery of national heritage.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the procession left early in the morning from the Thomas Sankara Memorial, traversing Ziniare, Zorgho, and Koupela before being warmly welcomed in Tenkodogo by local authorities and civil society. The organizers emphasize that this initiative addresses the need to promote Burkinabe culture and strengthen national unity amid security challenges.
The president of the club "Les Motards du Faso", Abdel Aziz Konate, accompanied by Moussa Sawadogo, highlighted that the tour symbolizes hope and solidarity. 'Burkina Faso is a land of peace. Contrary to some perceptions, we travelled hundreds of kilometers in serenity, buoyed by the hospitality of the people,' he stated.
The president of the "Balkeuses" club, Diane Yogo, explained that each stage of the caravan features three activities: a tribute to the customary authorities, a tourist visit, and a social action. She noted, "The goal is to allow motorcyclists to get to know their country better. We sometimes travel far, without taking the time to explore our own riches."
In Tenkodogo, participants were received by His Majesty Naaba Guigmpole Dima of Zoungrantenga, King of Tenkodogo, who commended the initiative and stressed the importance of living together in the Nakambe kingdom. The motorcyclists also visited the Royal Palace of Dima, a significant cultural site in the region.
During the evening, the "Motorcycle Village" hosted a press conference, awareness sessions on road safety and helmet use, as well as the distribution of 20 school kits to vulnerable students as a gesture of solidarity. The organizers are calling for increased support from public and private partners to sustain the event and establish it as an annual gathering for unity and the promotion of national heritage.
The caravan is set to continue its journey towards Po, Gaoua, Bobo-Dioulasso, Fada N'Gourma, and Koudougou, before returning to Ouagadougou on November 15.