Ouagadougou: The chief of the Soboya land implores a favorable agricultural season and the protection of the territory. The population of the village of Soboya, in the commune of Zons©, organised on Friday the customary ceremony marking the launch of the winter season under the leadership of the land chief, Lar© Dao.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony brought together customary authorities, traditional leaders, and residents who participated in rites marking the start of the agricultural campaign. Poultry sacrifices and ritual prayers were performed in accordance with tradition. Through these rites, the land chief Lar© Dao invoked the ancestors and tutelary forces to request their support for a good winter season.

On behalf of the people of the commune, Lar© Dao expressed wishes for favorable rainfall, satisfactory harvests, and the protection of crops against hazards likely to affect agricultural production. The traditional chief also offered prayers for peace, social cohesion, and the health of the people of Zons©, including those living outside the commune.

Addressing the security situation, he called for the protection of the municipal territory against threats likely to compromise the peace of the population and the smooth running of socio-economic activities. For the participants, this annual ceremony remains a moment of communion between communities and customary authorities around concerns related to the agricultural campaign and community life.

The holding of this ceremony reflects the place that customary practices occupy in the life of local communities, who see it as an opportunity to express wishes for a productive agricultural season as well as for peace and security in the commune.