Burkina Faso dumps colonial names under Traore

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

President Ibrahim Traore

Burkina Faso has taken a significant step towards decolonization by renaming all its regions with indigenous names, erasing the remnants of colonial legacy.

This decision, announced by the Presidency, aims to celebrate the country’s diverse ethnic and cultural heritage and strengthen the bond between the nation and its ancestral roots.

The move is part of a broader national strategy to restore the dignity of the Burkinabe people .

The decision to rename the regions was made by the government of Burkina Faso, led by interim President Ibrahim Traoré, who has been at the forefront of efforts to distance the country from its former colonial power, France.

Traoré has positioned himself as a pan-Africanist leader determined to free his nation from what he sees as Western imperialism and neo-colonialism .

The government has renamed all 13 regions, adopting names rooted in local languages, history, and culture.

Some of the regions that have been renamed include , Boucle du Mouhoun: Now part of the new regional structure.

Est: Renamed as part of the broader effort to adopt indigenous names

Sahel: Also renamed to reflect local identity

In addition to these changes, four new regions have been instituted: Soum, Sirba, Tapoa, Sourou.

The renaming exercise also affected provinces, with 40 out of 45 provinces retaining their original names.

Five provinces underwent linguistic modifications, and two new provinces were created .

New Provinces include Karo-Péli with Arbinda as its capital

Dyamougou with Kantchari as its capital

Modified Provinces: Koosin, formerly Kossi, with Nouna as its capital, now part of the Sourou region.

Gobnangou formerly Tapoa, with Diapaga remaining its capital.

The renaming of regions and provinces is expected to have a profound impact on the country, promoting a sense of national identity and pride in its heritage.

By adopting indigenous names, Burkina Faso is reaffirming its cultural roots and moving away from the legacy of colonialism.

This move is also accompanied by efforts to stimulate local development and create employment opportunities through the creation of regional road brigades.

Burkina Faso’s decision to dump colonial names marks a significant step towards decolonization and self-determination.

The renaming of regions and provinces reflects the country’s commitment to celebrating its diverse cultural heritage and promoting national identity.

As the country continues to navigate its post-colonial identity, this move is seen as a bold step towards reclaiming its history and culture.

Major Infrastructure Projects Underway.

The government is also kicking off new road construction projects—and here’s the exciting part: local citizens will be the ones still doing the work.

This means job creation, development, and a sense of pride in building a nation with our own hands continues.

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