Banfora: The Center for Islamic Studies, Research and Training (CERFI) organized a regional conference in Banfora on Sunday, focusing on the theme of "Islam and Tradition." Held under the patronage of the Governor of the Tannounyan region, who was represented by his Technical Advisor, Boukary Dionou, the event brought together administrative, traditional, and religious authorities, as well as numerous worshippers and participants.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the main objective of this regional conference is to foster a constructive and accessible debate, highlighting shared values such as solidarity, fraternity, justice, and love of one's neighbor. It also aims to clarify certain practices in order to guide the faithful toward greater adherence to Islamic teachings, while strengthening social cohesion and community spirit.
In his address, CERFI coordinator Dramane Kabor© emphasized the relevance of the theme, highlighting that in Burkina Faso, Islam coexists closely with deeply rooted socio-cultural practices. This interaction, while often harmonious, can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Hence, he argued, the need to create frameworks for reflection to better understand the foundations of Islam, analyze traditions, and clearly identify points of convergence and divergence.
In a national context marked by security and social challenges, CERFI calls for increased engagement from religious leaders, intellectuals, and citizens. The CERFI coordinator made a special appeal to young people, community leaders, and all participants to become ambassadors of peace and unity in their respective communities.
Technical advisor Boukary Dionou, representing the governor of the Tannounyan region, praised CERFI's initiative and the quality of the organization. He emphasized the importance of a balanced understanding between faith and traditions, clarifying that the goal is not to oppose these two realities, but to analyze them with discernment.
According to him, this conference provides an opportune framework for better understanding the foundations of Islam, valuing compatible traditions, and reconsidering those that are less so. He also emphasized that this initiative fully contributes to promoting social cohesion and living together in a context where divisions weaken societies.
Mr. Dionou also pledged, on behalf of the Governor, Patron of the regional conference, to support initiatives promoting peace, awareness campaigns, and all efforts to foster tolerance and unity. He further urged young people, religious leaders, and participants to embrace the lessons learned from the conference.
Convinced that the conference's conclusions will contribute to enlightening minds and guiding practices toward greater harmony, the organizers expressed their hope that the recommendations would be widely disseminated and implemented.