Ouagadougou: In Man, local history is presented as a lever for resilience and development: The history of the kombr (canton) of Man constitutes a valuable lever to strengthen the resilience of the populations, preserve the collective memory and stimulate local development, said history-geography professor Harouna Sawadogo on Saturday, during a public conference organized on the occasion of the first edition of ‘Bayir Dare’, in Silmidougou, capital of said canton.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the conference, themed “The kombr of Man, an example of bravery and resilience in the face of imperialism from Naaba Yasm to Naaba Sinbdo,” provided a platform for the communicator to revisit significant historical stages of the canton, from its founding by Naaba Yasm to the leadership of the current chief, Naaba Sinbdo. The speaker emphasized that historical clashes, predating colonial penetration, primarily aimed to defend the territory’s integrity.
The resistance in 1896 against the Voulet-Chanoine column exemplifies this tradition of bravery, Sawadogo argued. This historical legacy has endured through various challenges faced by the people of Man over time, he maintained. Highlighting recent events, Sawadogo praised the community’s ability to address security challenges, particularly the 2022 terrorist incursions, and their collective resilience, which led to the resettlement of all villages in the commune by 2024.
The history and geography teacher underscored the importance of leveraging local history to foster municipal development and enhance tourism potential. He advocated for a greater appreciation of both tangible and intangible resources that form Man’s cultural heritage. Sawadogo emphasized the necessity of passing on this memory to younger generations to help them understand their roots and draw inspiration to tackle current challenges.
The public conference was an integral part of “Bayir Dare,” meaning “return to the native village,” an initiative designed to create a framework for intergenerational transmission, promote local traditions, and reinforce community ties in Man. The inaugural edition brought together the sons and daughters of Man, both residents and those from outside, around His Majesty Naaba Sinbdo, fostering an atmosphere of fraternity and solidarity.
The event was attended by local administrative, military, and paramilitary authorities, led by Wendincont Alain Kiemtor, prefect and president of the special municipal delegation of Man.