Burkina Faso Military Government Suspends Beauty Pageants to Uphold Cultural Values

The military government of Burkina Faso has announced the suspension of beauty pageants across the country. This decision, communicated through a statement by the Ministry of Culture, aims to "ensure respect for Burkinabe cultural identity and the country's moral and social values."

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ensure respect for Burkinabe cultural identity and the country's moral and social values

Authorities indicated that the suspension is temporary, pending the development of new regulations designed to govern these types of events. Until these new rules are enacted, no permits will be issued for beauty pageants. The ministry emphasized that this initiative aligns with the current drive to preserve, promote, and value the nation's cultural heritage, in accordance with the ideals of the "Popular Progressive Revolution."

In recent years, Burkina Faso has seen a rise in beauty contests, including those for children and adults, and even male participants. The government's move is part of a wider strategy to reorganize and exert control over the cultural sector. This follows recent statements by the Minister of Culture, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, who has taken a firm stance against artistic practices deemed disrespectful to women or detrimental to Burkinabe culture.

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This initiative is part of the current dynamic of preservation, promotion and valorization of national cultural heritage, in accordance with the ideals of the Popular Progressive Revolution.

Minister Ouédraogo previously warned artists against displaying "inappropriate dance steps" or making "malicious" or "degrading" comments in their work. He also stated that the state would cease supporting any artist who does not genuinely promote Burkinabe culture. The minister stressed the importance of self-knowledge for engaging with global cultures, warning against "external influences" that could derail the country's cultural objectives.

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Artists who exhibit behaviors that do not honor women, especially those women who perform inappropriate dance steps, will see these practices prohibited.

Burkina Faso has been under a military transitional regime since 2022, following two coups. The country faces a severe security crisis due to the expanding jihadist insurgency in the Sahel region.

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malicious comments or degrading comments