Ganzourgou: Ganzourgou province celebrated the first edition of "48 Hours of Communities" on May 29 and 30, 2026, in Zorgho, under the theme: "Making our diversity a lever for peace and living together." The event brought together administrative, traditional, and religious authorities, as well as representatives of national and foreign communities living in the province.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the official ceremony, presided over by the High Commissioner of the Ganzourgou province, Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, was marked by speeches, a parade of different communities, artistic and cultural performances, traditional dances, as well as a market street showcasing local products and food.
In her speech, the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou stated that peace is built first and foremost within communities through mutual acceptance, respect for differences, and active solidarity. She noted that security challenges, forced displacement of populations, and various social vulnerabilities call upon all stakeholders to strengthen social cohesion. Ms. Sorgho/Gouba stated that differences related to cultures, traditions, or origins should never be seen as divisive factors, but rather as a shared heritage and a source of mutual enrichment. She encouraged people to promote dialogue between generations, religions, and communities to ensure lasting social peace. She thanked all those who contributed to the success of this initiative.
In his address on behalf of the sponsors, His Highness Razang-Naba Belemwind© of Boudry commended the provincial authorities' initiative, which, according to him, reflects a desire to build a society where differences serve as "bridges" rather than barriers. He emphasized that the security and humanitarian context imposes a duty of solidarity and unity on the population. Naba Belemwind© maintained that the diversity of languages, beliefs, customs, and origins constitutes an asset when it is based on mutual respect, tolerance, and solidarity. He also highlighted that cultural exhibitions, traditional dishes, inter-community gatherings, and parades demonstrate that cultural heritage remains a powerful force for bringing people together.
He called on traditional and religious leaders to continue their missions of mediation and awareness-raising for peace, on community leaders to prioritize the collective interest, on young people to become artisans of living together, and on women to continue to transmit the values of peace within families and communities.
The first day of the event was marked by two panels and a popular cross-country race. The first panel focused on the "role and place of religious denominations and customary leaders in promoting interreligious dialogue for peace, living together and tolerance" and the second on the "contribution of intergenerational dialogue in promoting peace and discipline in traditional African societies." On behalf of the traditional chiefs of the province, His Excellency Naba Sanem of Zorgho thanked the High Commissioner for the initiative and praised the strong mobilization of the people around this initiative aimed at consolidating unity and fraternity between the communities of Ganzourgou.