Amidst the escalating conflict with Islamist terrorists in Burkina Faso, a national cultural festival held in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso took on the tone of a mobilization campaign in the fight against extremism. The event, typically known for celebrating the country’s arts and film scene, saw a somber shift as the threat of violence loomed large.
During the festival, teenagers were seen engaging with guns at a museum exhibit, while young men posed in front of posters featuring the country’s military leader. Families dining in restaurants watched footage of drone strikes on television monitors, underscoring the harsh reality of the conflict.
“The motherland or death,” proclaimed Alaila Ilboudo, a spoken word artist, rallying the crowds at the festival. The atmosphere was charged with patriotism and resilience in the face of adversity.
Burkina Faso has borne the brunt of extremist violence, with over 8,000 people losing their lives in the conflict last year alone – double the casualties from the previous year. With nearly three million people displaced and 1.4 million children at risk of hunger due to restricted aid access, the country is grappling with immense humanitarian challenges.
