Dedougou: Religious and traditional communities in the Bankui region are participating in a spiritual retreat in Dedougou from April 14 to 15, 2026, organized as part of the "Djama Beog-nere" project, with the aim of strengthening their role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and violence prevention. The event was chaired by Brahima Kone, technical advisor to the governor of the Bankui region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the retreat was initiated as a framework for reflection, dialogue, and appropriation of an advocacy and awareness-raising document, bringing together Muslim and Christian leaders (Catholic and Protestant), customary authorities, and actors involved in conflict prevention. The goal is to make these leaders effective relays of messages of tolerance, living together, and non-violence within communities.

For two days, participants will engage in presentations followed by interactive discussions on major themes such as social cohesion, peacebuilding, the fight against violent extremism, and the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls. The discussions, informed by religious teachings and indigenous African values, aim to identify concrete courses of action to prevent tensions and strengthen solidarity between populations.

Harouna Sidibe, project manager of Djama Beog-nere, highlighted that this initiative is justified by the security and social context that Burkina Faso has been experiencing for several years. "It is about bringing communities back to the fundamental values of tolerance, mutual acceptance, and solidarity that have always characterized Burkinabe society," he stated. He also emphasized the need to deconstruct divisive narratives and to bolster the capacity of leaders to raise awareness among their respective bases.

Kadru BS, president of the Ittihad Islami Burkina Faso association, noted that the retreat in Dedougou will serve as a framework for creating inter-religious dialogue to propose concrete ways to strengthen social harmony in Burkina Faso. "The retreat will allow us to exchange on advocacy and awareness strategies for the fight against violence and to promote respect for human rights and to develop a mini action plan for the implementation of the advocacy document and Islamic awareness campaigns," he explained.

The workshop will also provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on advocacy and awareness-raising strategies, along with the development of a mini action plan for the effective implementation of the retreat's outcomes in different localities. The establishment of a permanent exchange framework, particularly through modern communication tools, has been envisioned to ensure the monitoring of these initiatives.

Brahima Kone applauded the relevance of the initiative in a context marked by security and social challenges. He reiterated that promoting social cohesion and peace is a national priority, supported by the highest authorities in the country. "This initiative is fully in line with the national dynamic of promoting peace and unity," he remarked. Mr. Kone also invited participants to engage in frank and constructive discussions to develop sustainable solutions. He expressed gratitude to the organizers and partners, including state structures and technical and financial partners, whose support contributes to the project's implementation.