Mali Hosts 11th Donso N’Goni Festival Highlighting Peace and Traditional Heritage

Bamako, April 9, 2026 - Mali has inaugurated the 11th edition of the Donso N’Goni Festival, a major cultural gathering celebrating traditional hunters and West African heritage, with a strong message centered on peace and reconciliation. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Handicrafts, Culture, Hospitality, and Tourism, Mamou Daffé, at the Amadou Hampâté Bâ Cultural Center in Bamako. He was joined by the Minister of Environment, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development, Doumbia Mariam Tangara. Organized by the Jigiya Blon Association under the leadership of Cheick Oumar Tembely, the festival runs from April 9 to 11, 2026, under the theme “Peace and Reconciliation in the ESA Countries.” The event is sponsored by former minister Abdramane Sylla. The festival brings together traditional hunters (donso), researchers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the sub-region, including participants from Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The opening ceremony featured cultural performances, including a notable appearance by artist Sékoubani Traoré, drawing strong audience engagement and highlighting the vitality of traditional music and spiritual expression. Over three days, the festival is expected to feature performances, academic discussions, and exhibitions aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage while fostering regional unity through tradition.