Accra:The role of museums in cultural reappropriation and the construction of national sovereignty in Burkina Faso was highlighted by Dr. Moctar Sanfo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, during an international symposium on sovereignty titled "Heritage and Vision of Cheikh Anta Diop."

According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Sanfo emphasized that the people of Burkina Faso recognize themselves in their culture, which shapes their existence. This cultural affirmation, supported by the country's highest authorities, has enabled initiatives aimed at rebuilding the state based on cultural references.

Dr. Sanfo noted that historical evidence shows Burkina Faso, like the rest of Africa, possessed a rich cultural and civilizational heritage. This heritage included a social regulation system capable of resolving internal issues and addressing external threats. However, these values were eroded during colonization, which involved the organized looting of cultural property under the guise of introducing a new civilization. This plundering led to a gradual acculturation favoring Western culture.

He argued that cultural reappropriation involves ending Western control over these values by redefining elements that underpin the country's existence and history. This reappropriation is critical for establishing national sovereignty.

Dr. Sanfo also pointed out that museums, used as ideological tools by both Westerners and Africans in the context of imperialist domination, can play a crucial role in this cultural recovery. His study aims to assess the formation of the first African collections, analyze the role of museums in Burkina Faso's cultural reappropriation, and explore how these institutions can serve national sovereignty exclusively.