Ouagadougou: The Theatre populaire Desire-Bonogo has reopened its doors after several years of closure, marking the rebirth of this significant Burkinabe cultural site with a large patriotic concert. The reopening event, held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, was attended by the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, and highlighted the theme "Together for the rehabilitation of the Desire-Bonogo Popular Theater."
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was sponsored by Salif Nikiema, president of the National Council of the Informal Economy of Burkina Faso (CNEI-BF), and honored by Simon Compaore, honorary mayor of Ouagadougou. The event drew a large audience eager to celebrate the revival of this cultural monument. For nearly four hours, Burkinabe artists, including storytellers, musicians, and comedians, delivered a free performance filled with patriotism and emotion.
Abraham Abassague, president of the organizing committee and general director of CENASA, expressed his appreciation for the public's support and the authorities' commitment to restoring the Popular Theater's prominence. He noted, "With President Ibrahim Traore and his government, the tone has been set for the rebirth of national culture."
Patron Salif Nikiema remarked that the reopening symbolizes the revival of the ideals of President Thomas Sankara, the founder of the Theatre populaire, now championed by Captain Ibrahim Traore. He emphasized that the site's revival will bolster the local economy and provide opportunities for those in the informal sector.
In his address, Minister Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo paid homage to Captain Thomas Sankara and praised President Ibrahim Traore for his vision of restoring Sankara's ideals. Ouedraogo announced an architectural competition aimed at transforming the site into a cultural and social hub, complete with leisure, sports, dining, and relaxation facilities. "This patriotic concert marks the true rebirth of the Theatre populaire," he stated, inviting cultural actors to reinvest in the venue and encouraging citizens to support its renovation.
On the sidelines of the concert, several certificates of recognition were awarded to institutions, personalities, and artists for their dedication to promoting culture in Burkina Faso.