Burkina Faso hosts Bark Biiga Peace Camp to promote social cohesion through art

The fifth edition of the ‘Bark Biiga’ Peace Camp was held from July 21 to 25, 2026, in Burkina Faso. Organized by the Réseau des Femmes pour la Réconciliation Nationale, la Cohésion et l’Équité Sociales (REFERENCES) in collaboration with La Pépinière du Burkind’lim, the event focused on using art as a tool for social transformation and peacebuilding.

Approximately sixty children and adolescents, aged 12 to 17, participated in various workshops including theater, painting, poetry, storytelling, and physical expression. According to Angélique Ouédraogo, the socio-cultural affairs officer for REFERENCES, the initiative aims to train young people as ‘Messengers of Peace.’

The program has evolved from previous years that focused on social media awareness and drug prevention to this year’s emphasis on artistic expression. The goal is to provide youth with creative outlets to express themselves and combat internal violence, thereby fostering social cohesion and dialogue within their communities.