Ouagadougou: To mark International Archives Week, the Secretary General of the Presidency of Burkina Faso, Zakaria Sor©, launched a 72-hour Open House at the National Archives in Ouagadougou. This initiative aims to introduce the public to Burkina Faso’s documentary heritage and historical memory.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event is celebrated under the theme “Archives for Justice: Rights, Memory and Futures.” The open days at the national archives aim to bring citizens closer to their documentary heritage and to highlight the role of archives in preserving collective memory, safeguarding national history, and strengthening good governance. Marie Jeanne Diasso, the acting Director General of the national archives, emphasized that during these three days, the public will have the opportunity to discover historical documents through a photographic exhibition dedicated to figures who have shaped the history of Burkina Faso. Additionally, guided tours will allow visitors to better understand the missions of the National Archives, document preservation techniques, and the challenges of preserving archival heritage.
The Secretary General of the Presidency of Faso, Zakaria Sor©, expressed his support for the organization of this first edition of the Open Days, referring to it as a significant initiative for the promotion of archival culture and the appropriation of national history by citizens. He further highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Burkinabe authorities to modernize the national archives, particularly focusing on the digitization of documentary collections, the training of archivists, the improvement of infrastructure, and the expansion of public access to archives.
Sor© underscored the importance of archives as an essential tool for preserving national memory, defending sovereignty, and transmitting history to future generations. He extended an invitation to researchers, students, and all citizens to engage with the national archives, viewing them as a lever for knowledge, social cohesion, and development.
The 72-hour event also includes a conference addressing contemporary challenges in document management and the preservation of archival heritage.