Bobo-Dioulasso hosted the national forum on secularism from July 26 to 28, 2023. The closing ceremony took place this Friday, July 28 in the conference room of the Hauts-Bassins Regional Council.
Placed under the chairmanship of Bonaventure Dim-Songdo Ouédraogo, President of the Economic and Social Council (CES), the forum brought together more than 200 participants with the participation of the governors of the 12 other regions of the country. It was under the theme “Secularism in Burkina Faso: what strategies for real social cohesion?”
The main objective of the forum is to contribute to the strengthening of secularism for genuine social cohesion in Burkina Faso. According to the President of the Economic and Social Council, “We are satisfied with the content of the forum’s conclusions, as there was a minimum consensus on the issues discussed. Our mission is to help the State to anticipate social changes”.
At the end of the discussions, several recommendations were adopted to promote secularism in Burkina Faso. With regard to the State, it is a question, among other things, of defining secularism by taking into account social and cultural realities; to adopt a law on religious freedoms; ensuring equity in the treatment of religious denominations; regulate religious discourse and promote coexistence between religions; institute a five-year forum on secularism; encourage the media, musicians and actors to promote secularism through their activities.
And towards religious, customary and traditional communities as well as civil society organizations and political parties, the forum recommends raising awareness among the faithful of respect for religious differences and the principles of secularism. He urges them to avoid using religion for political purposes and to promote social cohesion and living together.
Ben Alassane DAO
