Civic Engagement: Burkina Faso’s President Entrusts a Mission to the “Étoiles du Faso”

Ouagadougou, October 16, 2026

The President of Burkina Faso and Head of State, Comrade Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ, received in audience this Friday morning the “Stars of Burkina Faso,” the Ambassadors of Civic-Mindedness, and the winners of the Grand Prize for Civic Engagement. On this occasion, he congratulated these prominent figures and young role models for their commitment, before urging them to promote civic-mindedness, patriotism, and civic values among their fellow citizens.

Led by the Minister of Justice, Comrade Edasso Rodrigue BAYALA, the delegation consisted of three categories of awardees: the “Étoiles du Faso,” prominent figures recognized as role models in their respective fields; the Ambassadors of Civic-Mindedness, students distinguished through a civic-mindedness competition; and the winners of the Grand Prize for Civic Engagement, individuals who have distinguished themselves through their actions and their contribution to Burkina Faso’s reputation.

To these women and men from different generations, the Head of State entrusted a mission: to embody, in a lasting way, the values that earned them this distinction and to inspire other citizens. Addressing the “Étoiles du Faso,” he stated: “You are destined to be stars forever, to enlighten the minds of the youngest among us and all your fellow citizens. Therefore, you have now been entrusted with the mission of enlightening everyone.”

To the Ambassadors of Civic-Mindedness, he emphasized the importance of their responsibility, despite their young age: “You, too, have a major mission. And you, too, cannot afford to make mistakes simply because of your young age.”

The President of Burkina Faso also emphasized the significance of civic-mindedness and patriotism, which he considers fundamental values and pillars of national development. He defined patriotism as love for one’s country, respect for the heritage passed down by ancestors, and the determination to preserve these achievements for future generations. This commitment must also be reflected in solidarity among citizens, and he urged every Burkinabe to regard their compatriots as brothers and sisters.

This address took place as part of the National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation, held under the theme of promoting the consumption of local products. On this subject, the Head of State called on his audience to make the consumption of domestic products a concrete expression of patriotism.

To illustrate his point, he cited the example of flatbreads made by a mother and bought by her child, emphasizing that this simple act reflects broader economic issues. “The smart child buys his mother’s pancakes. But first, the mother must be able to make her pancakes, and the smart child must pay for them. But that means a lot of things. To make pancakes, we have to produce them. That is why, wherever we are, we must be able to produce what we need. We cannot claim to be patriots and continue to import what we can produce ourselves right here,” he explained.

Through this call to action, the President of Burkina Faso emphasized the need to strengthen domestic production and prioritize local goods and services in order to contribute to the country’s economic self-sufficiency.

Speaking on behalf of the Étoiles du Faso, Comrade Inoussa SARÉ expressed his gratitude to the Head of State for the honor bestowed upon the award recipients. He also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Head of State, Comrade Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ, in achieving the objectives assigned to this civic mission.