Bouna, March 22, 2022 (AIP) – The 9th edition of the Bounkani Arts and Cultures Festival (FESTIBO), organized in December 2021, had an undeniable social impact in view of the relevance of the themes of the workshops organized during the event, affirmed, Tuesday, March 22, the general commissioner, Dah Germain, questioned by the AIP.

Beyond the dances and songs that entertained the populations and visitors, workshops on social, security and economic issues were organized, said the commissioner.

First, the FESTIBO will have enabled the different communities to understand the importance of inter-ethnic alliances as tools in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

Then, it gave the opportunity to sensitize the population on gender-based violence including rape, sexual and physical assault, forced marriage in an area dominated by gender prejudices and the influence of religion and traditions.

Finally, it was a great opportunity to understand the strategies for establishing terrorist movements and to teach about the mechanisms for combating radicalization in a region marked by a high rate of illiteracy and rampant poverty.

The FESTIBO also had a strong economic impact on the population due to the parallel activities that were grafted around the event and the high number of visitors. It is defined as the festival of traditional Bounkani dances and is the biggest cultural event in the region.

Initiated in 2013 by the regional council and implemented by the NGO l’Etoile du Bounkani, it now takes place biannually in the month of December. Its objectives remain the safeguarding, enhancement and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

SOURCE: AGENCE IVOIRIENNE DE PRESSE