From February 21 to 28, 2025, Burkina Faso celebrated its national languages during the National African Languages Week (SLA) and International Mother Language Day (JILM).
On February 28, the official ceremony took place in Ouagadougou, with Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo emphasizing that « forgetting our origins leads to loss » and highlighting national languages as tools for development.
Minister Jacques Sosthène Dingara stressed their role in education and cultural identity, while Dr. Awa Tiendrébéogo/Sawadogo called for « mental and linguistic decolonization. »
The week featured conferences, workshops, and performances, showcasing the country’s linguistic richness.
