8th National Integration Forum: Official Launch of Activities in the Border Town of Pô

The border town of Pô, November 29, 2025 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinabè Abroad, H.E. Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, accompanied by the Minister Delegate for Regional Cooperation, Ms. Stella Bêbgnansgna Eldine Kabre/Kaboré, officially inaugurated the 8th edition of the National Integration Forum on Friday, November 28, in the border town of Pô.

The patron of this edition, Mr. Jacques Sosthène Dingara, Minister of Basic Education, members of the African diplomatic corps accredited to Burkina Faso, and numerous administrative, traditional, military, and paramilitary authorities from the Nazinon region attended the ceremony.

Before the African diaspora living in Burkina Faso and the traditional authorities of Nahouri and Ghana, Minister Traoré launched three days of activities aimed at strengthening cohesion and peaceful coexistence between Burkinabè citizens and diaspora communities.

Placed under the theme “African Integration: Historical Landmarks and Contemporary Imperatives,” the forum serves as a space for dialogue, exchange, and promotion of African values of solidarity and brotherhood.

In his opening address, Minister Traoré praised the local and diaspora communities of the border town of Pô, highlighting the natural integration and cohesion that define this strategic crossing point.

“Here, in this border town, we witness perfect integration-people move freely, exchange, and unite. Every action reminds us that it is the administration that is lagging behind. We must accelerate legislation to match the lived reality of our people,” he said.

The Minister commended efforts in the Nazinon region and Nahouri province to promote harmonious coexistence, helping build strong integration.

He urged African communities to embrace unity, dialogue, and collective strength, stressing that Africa is a mosaic in which each state plays a vital role.

“This is how, in centuries to come, our children will inherit a space of pride and dignity-where integration is not discussed but lived,” he added.

The patron of the edition, Minister Jacques Sosthène Dingara, commended the government for its initiative to reinforce integration and unity in everyday life.

He encouraged continued efforts to strengthen integration in this border area and stressed the need to combat anything that could weaken social cohesion.

Speaking for the foreign communities, Anane James Amedeker expressed pride in the harmony enjoyed by African nationals living in Burkina Faso. He praised government initiatives, especially the visa exemption, and urged African states to collaborate in fighting border harassment.

During the opening ceremony, ten foreign nationals received their naturalization decrees. The Ministry also awarded certificates of recognition to four individuals whose work supports integration and social cohesion.

The Directorate General for African Integration planned varied activities for this major gathering, including brainstorming sessions, dialogues with ministry officials, cultural exchanges, sports activities, and tourist excursions.