Ouagadougou: The Presidential Initiative for Community Development (IPDC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, organized a public conference on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Dori, focusing on civics, citizenship, patriotism, social cohesion, and peace. The activity is part of a series of conferences planned in the thirteen regions of Burkina Faso, in order to revive patriotic spirit and strengthen civic values.According to Burkina Information Agency, Benjamin Sow, Director General for the Promotion of Citizenship and Peace, noted that Burkina Faso has been experiencing a citizenship crisis. He expressed concern that civic values are being disregarded, emphasizing that the nation cannot progress amidst "disorder and indiscipline."Faced with this situation, Mr. Sow explained that the political authorities, under the leadership of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, have decided to launch a vast national awareness campaign through public conferences in all regions of th e country. The objective, he insisted, is to implant in people's minds the moral and civic values essential to support "the progressive and popular revolution" initiated by the head of state.The Dori meeting brought together several institutional actors, community leaders, religious leaders, young people, and women around the same ideal: a united Burkina Faso that respects its founding values. Three themes were addressed: civics and citizenship, patriotism and citizen participation, and culture of peace and social cohesion.For the governor of the Sahel region, Abdoul Karim Zongo, this conference comes at the right time to help fill the gap observed in terms of civic-mindedness, patriotism, and social cohesion. He urged the participants to fully take ownership of the lessons learned and, above all, to translate them into concrete actions to promote harmonious development in Burkina Faso.According to a participant in this conference, Fadima Boureima Dicko, this meeting constitutes a valuable opportunity t o refocus the young generation and instill in them the cardinal social values necessary for peace and social harmony. The President of the Federation of Evangelical Churches, Pastor Gassambé Salif, echoed the same sentiment, stressing that youth represent the spearhead of sustainable human development in any nation.Through this kind of initiative, it will be possible to provide useful advice to young people so that they become responsible and committed actors in national construction. Beyond the messages, Dori's conference is part of a national dynamic aimed at creating collective awareness.The conference series initiated by the IPDC and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights provides a unique opportunity for dialogue and exchange on the values that unite Burkinabe society. These public forums also aim to strengthen social cohesion, an essential factor in a security and social context marked by numerous challenges.Dori's public lecture marked an important milestone in the national campaign to promote civic-mindedness, citizenship, and patriotism. The various speakers stressed the need for every citizen, and particularly for young people, to resolutely commit to preserving peace and social cohesion.
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