Friends of Burkina Faso (FBF) Board is saddened to share the news of the passing of media icon, celebrity as well as FBF Peace Award recipient Moustapha Laabli Thiombiano. 

Mr. Moustapha Laabli Thiombiano, CEO of Horizon FM, received FBF Peace Award in 2017 for his service in Burkina Faso since 1983 and contributions to the awareness of youth in the culture of peace. Through its program “Ca Va Ca Va Pas,” Horizon FM has contributed greatly to the appeasement of hearts and the culture of a spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, and peace in Burkina Faso.

When tensions rose in Burkina Faso, Mr. Thiombiano used the medium of radio to broadcast the need to maintain respectful language towards others. These communications softened hearts and cultivated a spirit of peace and reconciliation. He continued these efforts both on the radio and off, stressing that Burkina cannot grow without acceptance of others, the first step for the culture of peace. Horizon radio is listened to across Burkina Faso, in the depths of the villages, and also in other countries of the region. These messages of kinship were important for fostering a culture of peace and lowering tensions in Burkina Faso. 

Our sincere and deepest condolences to his family and to the media community in Burkina Faso. 

FBF Board

Check these out!

https://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/a-witness-to-youth-culture-in-burkina-faso-sory-sanle/?emc=eta1&_r=0

This is a pretty in-depth report  from International Business Times on scary reports of armed groups entering schools in the north of Burkina Faso  Be sure to read the whole article if you click. It may be a group of 30 people trying to stir up trouble, or it could be a stronger group with official al-Qaeda links. The West Africa director at Human Rights Watch says the Peuhl (or Fulani) look to be the target of recruiting attempts.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/burkina-fasos-new-jihadist-threat-sweeps-through-villages-targeting-schools-1604014

We are SO proud of our Etalons for winning against Ghana in a match on February fourth. You can read all about it at the link below -- Alain Traore has a golden foot! 

http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=467875

What makes a good PCV these days? Blogs, of course!

For those who have lived Peace Corps while in the internet age, blogs have become a great tool for virtual cultural exchange. On a whim, we found the "Daryland to Desert" blog from Ellie, and her September 2016 entry captures a lot of the feeling of being dropped off at site.

https://dairylandtodesert.com/2016/09/11/mon-premier-semaine/#more-133

Here is a fun article from The Guardian, tracing Jérôme William Bationo's experience in the capital of Burkina Faso. Highlights include best building, homegrown talent, best food, street style, and of course . . . best Instagram! Read the article here!

The U.S. Embassy collaborated with renowned singer/songwriter Alif Naaba on a music business seminar for 10 young Burkinabe musicians. The aim of the seminar was to empower them to manage their own careers and position themselves to more easily reach new audiences.

Read more here

Love that West African jazz. Take a listen with a recent episode of Afropop Worldwise, brought to you by Public Radio International. Malawi and Burkina Faso take center stage.

Listen here

At least according to Yahoo, the tunic shape, stripes, and "street style-worthy hat" worn by the Burkina Faso team were very en vogue.

See pictures here

366 people freshly decorated in the National Order on the evening of December 10 at the Palace of Kosyam. Among them FBF Peace Prize Laureate His Majesty MOGHO NABA Baongho and retired General Division Zagré Billa Gerard, elevated to the rank of Gold Cross, Burkina's highest award. Eleven people were elevated to the rank of Grand Officer, 44 to the rank of Commander, the rank of Officer 100 and 209 to the rank of Knight. 

Read more at lefaso.net...