Tenkodogo: The Chief of Gourcy, His Majesty Naaba Baongo, celebrated his annual customary festival, the Napoussoum, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This ritual, which brought together a large crowd this year, was placed under the banner of taking into account endogenous values in the education of children.
According to Burkina Information Agency, after a few years' hiatus due to insecurity, the Warma family of Gourcy has revived the grand celebration of Napoussoum. The tone was set during the Buu-poussoum, which brought the entire family together last January. The theme was: "Education in indigenous values, lasting peace and social cohesion."
This edition of Napoussoum marks, on the one hand, the 15th year of Naaba Baongo's reign and, on the other hand, the gradual return of peace to the country, particularly in the Zondoma province. These two events certainly deserve to be celebrated, according to the Chief of Gourcy, who in his message made special mention of the fighting forces and the current authorities of the country who have done everything possible for the complete reconquest of the national territory.
Referring to the theme of the celebration, the Chief of Gourcy invited parents to instill values of integrity, honor, and probity into their children's education, so that they may become true patriots, citizens committed to building the country.
To support this vision, the Chief of Gourcy, with the backing of the dignitaries in his court, has established the "Keogo," or center for training in traditional values, which will soon welcome its first students. "This training will not contradict traditional schooling but rather complement it by transmitting certain values that are not taught there," His Majesty explained.
El Adj Sidiki Ouedraogo expressed great satisfaction to see the Napoussoum regain its former glory by drawing such large crowds after a few years of dormancy. "We can only thank the Chief of Gourcy for everything he does to keep the flame of tradition alive," said the "Napoko" (regent) of the Kokologo canton, delighted by the ceremony, a situation she said she had long awaited.
A friendly match between joking parents, the official opening of the Keogo festival, a public conference on education in indigenous values (Keogo), a food donation to the security forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and the greeting ceremony itself were the main events of the two-day Napoussoum 2026 celebration. The event was attended by prominent administrative, academic, traditional, and religious authorities, as well as numerous guests and a large turnout from the Zondoma community. A horse parade and performances by traditional artists also added to the festivities.