Authorities in Burkina Faso have ordered the suspension of 18 cultural and entertainment events across the country, saying they violate public morality and could affect public order and the protection of minors, the Burkina Faso News Agency reported on Friday.
The Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism issued formal warnings to the organisers and instructed them to suspend the events. It said failure to comply could result in administrative and legal measures, including the withdrawal of licences, financial penalties, a permanent ban on artistic or related activities, and possible prosecution.
The affected events include The Outside in Loumbila and Golden Moment in Ouaga 2000, as well as Tropical Summer, Waga Summer and Urban Vibes in Bobo-Dioulasso. Waga Beach, Waga Fiesta and Waga Vibes are also among those listed.
The authorities say the measures are based on Law No. 004-2025/ALT on the status of artists in Burkina Faso. The legislation was adopted by the transitional parliament on March 27, 2025, and received presidential approval the following month.
The law regulates artistic professions and the creation, publication and distribution of cultural works. While it provides a framework for protecting artists’ individual and social rights, it also requires artistic activities to comply with existing laws and rules governing public order and morality. It gives the relevant authorities broad powers to issue licences and impose penalties.
The measures form part of a broader political and cultural policy pursued by the transitional authorities led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The government says it aims to reorganise the cultural sector, promote national values and civic awareness, and protect young people from content it considers inconsistent with national identity and public morality.
The authorities associate this policy with what they call the “Popular Progressive Revolution”, a political vision drawing on the legacy of former President Thomas Sankara. Under this approach, moral and social discipline is presented as part of a wider effort to rebuild the state and restore security and stability.
In a related development, the ministry ordered musician Kosa Pic, whose real name is Issa Ouédraogo, to remove online posts linked to his latest work, saying they violated public morality.
Kosa Pic is known for explicit songs addressing sexual themes. In September 2024, the Higher Council for Communication banned the circulation of the music video for his song “Zaaka”, describing its content as pornographic. In July 2025, he received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine in connection with the same case.
The latest warning, issued in August 2026, signals tighter government oversight of artistic material shared on digital platforms and a more stringent approach to content deemed to fall outside accepted standards of public morality.
The campaign targeting youth-oriented cultural events and summer festivals coincides with broader administrative and legal measures affecting civil society organisations and associations. The authorities present these moves as part of efforts to strengthen social discipline, while the expanding scope of official oversight raises questions about the limits of artistic freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
