Yatenga: Inmates pledge to contribute to the presidential initiative for nation building. The residents of the remand and correctional center (MAC) in collaboration with the High Court (TGI) of Ouahigouya commemorated on July 16, 17 and 18, 2025 the first edition of the international Nelson Mandela Day or "Mandela Day" in Ouahigouya.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the first edition of Nelson Mandela International Day, or "Mandela Day," was celebrated in the city of Naaba Kango. The initiative was initiated by the Ouahigouya Prison and Correction Center in collaboration with the High Court of the same city. It was a day to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, who, after 27 years behind bars, dedicated his entire life to social justice.
The event was themed "Presidential initiative and community service for the successful social integration of prisoners and the socio-economic development of the nation." Over a span of 72 hours, the residents of the Ouahigouya remand and correctional center, FDS, civilians, and the active forces of the city combined their efforts to carry out several activities.
Magistrate Arnaud Mar©, president of the organizing committee, expressed satisfaction with the event's outcome, noting the unity and understanding fostered between inmates and visitors. He emphasized that the event highlighted the humanity of inmates, who, despite being deprived of liberty, retain their humanity.
Nouhoun Ou©draogo, speaking for the detainees, appreciated the initiative and expressed the inmates' eagerness to partake in community service. He called on all stakeholders to implement provisions that would allow inmates to contribute to national development.
The ceremony, chaired by the Governor of the Yaadga region, saw Secretary General Kouilga Albert Zongo commend the efforts of the organizing committee and stakeholders. Additionally, the FDS women's association of the Yaadga region provided sanitary kits to the MAC residents, consisting of soap, insecticides, and other products.
As a reminder, Nelson Mandela International Day was established by the United Nations in 2009 to celebrate and perpetuate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of peace, social justice, and freedom.