Ouagadougou: The Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, led the sanitation efforts known as “Operation Mana Mana” at the D©sir© Bonogo Popular Theatre site in Ouagadougou. This is part of a nationwide effort to prepare for the rehabilitation of this historic cultural venue.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Ou©draogo, representing the Head of Government, emphasized the significance of this initiative as a precursor to an extensive renovation project. In his address, he highlighted the objective of rehabilitating the theatre to provide a comprehensive cultural center for art production, residence, and dissemination. He called for the collective commitment of the community to realize this vision.

The minister noted the impressive turnout for the event, indicating strong interest in cultural affairs among the Burkinabe population. He attributed this solidarity to the influence of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traor©. The ongoing work by Faso-Mªebo was praised, with the minister acknowledging the progress made so far.

Commander Ahmed Zoodnoma Sakand©, Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative Faso Mªbo, elaborated on the alignment of the project with President Traor©’s vision to restore national symbols from the 1987 revolution. The D©sir© Bonogo Popular Theatre, a legacy of the late Captain Thomas Sankara’s era, is a focal point of this restoration effort.

Commander Sakand© outlined plans to continue the clean-up and initiate a competition for the theatre’s rehabilitation, envisioning the development of a playground and sports area for the community. Film actor Joseph Tapsoba (Chocho), who participated in the operation, reminisced about his performances at the theatre and encouraged community support for Faso Mªbo’s ongoing efforts.

The sanitation day was organized through a collaboration between the Presidential Initiative Faso Mªbo and the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism.