Bougouriba: The National Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (ANTBA) officially dedicated the New Testament in the Djaane language on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Jean-Baptiste Ouattara Stadium in Diebougou, marking the culmination of 19 years of diligent work.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was held under the patronage of the President of the Federation of Evangelical Churches and Missions (FEME), represented by Pastor Patrice Hien, and sponsored by Father Mathias Kam and the godmother Dr. Hortense Karambiri, represented by Pastor Josias Sanogo. The event attracted administrative, judicial, military, and paramilitary authorities, along with traditional and religious leaders, and a large public gathering to celebrate the milestone.
The event featured prayers, speeches, presentation of certificates, distribution of New Testament copies, artistic performances, and collection of offerings for ANTBA. This marked a moment of relief and joy for the translation team after nearly two decades of effort. Pastor Ardjouma Isaac Ouattara, the project coordinator, expressed satisfaction with the achievement, noting the significance of the New Testament as the first document entirely written in Djaane and approved by linguistic and translation consultants.
The leaders of ANTBA are already looking toward the future. Executive Director Philibert Ouedraogo expressed hopes to return in a few years to dedicate the entire Bible, including both the New and Old Testaments, in collaboration with the linguistic community.
The New Testament, intended for the Djan community and Djaane readers, is printed in 3,000 copies and available in an audio version. It is offered at a subsidized price of five hundred FCFA to encourage distribution. ANTBA officials also advocate for increased literacy programs in Djaane to enable more readers to access the text.
Pastor Patrice Hien, representing the president of FEME, highlighted the spiritual significance of the publication, emphasizing that the Djan people can now connect with God in their own language without needing translation or interpretation from foreign languages.
Retired pastor Sie Phillips Kam, a pioneer of the project, witnessed the dedication with emotion, celebrating the realization of a long-held dream.
This dedication represents the 14th achievement of ANTBA in its 33 years of existence, following previous translations of the New Testaments in various languages and the entire Bible in Nuni South.