Young Burkinabé storyteller Hanna Samira Moumoula presented an edifying fable directly inspired by the political and social situation in Burkina Faso.

By Zouleyka Cherif

« I’ve come to tell you about this city where the responsibility of accountability no longer has a leader. » It’s with these powerful words, depicting the realities of the Burkinabe people, that the tale « Cohésion sociale » by the young student from the land of the proud and honest people begins. The audience is lulled by the intoxicating sound of the storyteller’s voice and the melodies of her guitarist… emotion and wonder are written all over their faces. In the « Petit Chapiteau » auditorium, some fifty people with a passion for storytelling turned out to enjoy this very unusual show.

The tale tells of a prosperous savannah, where animals, men and trees live in harmony. It’s here that Tanga le Karité, a generous and devoted tree, stands majestically. But among them, Cactus, jealous of Tanga’s splendor, hatches a plan to overthrow him. With his accomplices, he lets the savannah be ravaged by an attack of aphids. The savannah devastated, Cactus reigns supreme. This story, tragic but instructive, recalls the challenges and struggles of Burkinabe society, where the future is sometimes uncertain and precarious. But as in any story, there is always hope. And perhaps, one day, the savannah will rise from its ashes, regaining its splendor thanks to the resilience and solidarity of those who inhabit it.

« Gratitude and respect for the earth »; « Respect for difference », the audience choruses along with these fragments of phrases imbued with meaning and truth. Through this tale, Samira conveys a powerful message about living together, respecting differences, tolerance and, above all, peace. She believes in the power of words and their ability to remedy the ills that afflict the world. « Storytelling can take a non-imaginary situation and convey a message.« 

To date, the security situation in Burkina Faso remains worrying due to the persistent activity of armed groups, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. Terrorist attacks and intercommunity clashes continue to pose major challenges to the country’s stability. « The security situation and the inter-generational and inter-ethnic conflicts in my country inspired me to write this text, » she confides.

A worthy daughter of Ouagadougou, Samira grew up surrounded by the tales and legends that have shaped her imagination and her passion for this art. Through the magic of words, she intends to make her contribution by passing on her message of peace and tolerance. « Everyone in his or her uniqueness is sacred. Learn to respect each other, and above all, when you want to excel, you must always return to the source.«