Dori: The Sahel region designated its representatives for the next National Culture Week (NCW), scheduled for 2026 in Bobo-Dioulasso, on Friday, September 26, 2025. The qualified participants were selected after fiercely contested competitions, which highlighted the diversity and richness of the region’s cultural heritage.
According to Burkina Information Agency, in the culinary arts, two restaurateurs will represent the Sahel. Diallo Roukiatou Amadou impressed the jury with her cowpea madeleine dessert and cowpea monkey bread drink. Alongside her, Fatimata Wellet Ibrahim captivated the judges with her traditional heavy dish called saaku. These dishes illustrate the local gastronomic expertise that will be showcased in Bobo-Dioulasso.
The selection also included the performing arts. In ballet, the Joddal Lobal troupe from Seno was selected. In traditional instrumental music, the Weltare Suudu Baaba troupe, also from Seno, will represent the region. The folk choir will be provided by the Kacoudi troupe from Oudalan. These artistic groups are preparing to present their creations to a national and international audience at the SNC.
The Sahel will also field several athletes in traditional sports. In archery, the region will be represented by Diallo Issoufi Hama, Alkadri Hama, and Mamoudou Hama in the adult men’s pool, while Diallo Roukiatou Hamadou will compete in the adult women’s pool.
In traditional wrestling, the selection is varied: in the youth pool, Dicko Ali Yaya will represent the 2nd category. In the adult men’s pool, Bassane Abdoul Kader will defend the 1st category; Komondi Emmanuel, Diallo Kader, and Diabouga Hama the 2nd category; Pallo Souhaibou and Sawadogo Enoch the 3rd category; and Dicko Ousmane Mamoudou the 4th category. In the adult women’s pool, Djanta Acha has been qualified in the 3rd category.
Presiding over the designation ceremony, the Governor of the Sahel region, Mr. Abdoul Karim Zongo, praised the quality of the performances. He congratulated the artists, restorers, troupes, and athletes for their commitment to promoting the region’s cultural heritage. The governor urged those selected to intensify their efforts so that on the evening of the SNC Bobo 2026, the Sahel will be distinguished by the laurels won.
The selection of the Sahel representatives for the SNC 2026 highlighted the region’s cultural and sporting vitality. With diverse talents in gastronomy, performing arts, and traditional disciplines, the Sahel intends to make its mark in Bobo-Dioulasso. Bolstered by the trust of the regional authorities, the qualified participants are committed to defending the colors of their region on Burkina Faso’s largest cultural stage.