Practitioners of traditional religions from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) gathered at the Palace of Culture in Bamako for a three-day summit from January 25 to 27, 2026.
This third solemn meeting of indigenous mystical religions follows successful editions in Burkina Faso and Niger, marking a continued effort to unify the cultural and spiritual heritage of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Organized by the Faso Kanu Blonba Association, the event brought together spiritual leaders, researchers, and cultural ministers to discuss the preservation of ancestral knowledge and community rituals. Representing the Malian government, Dr. Salia Malé emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous practices into contemporary Sahelian society to strengthen social cohesion and identity.
The summit aligns with national programs and the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the promotion of intangible cultural heritage. By focusing on the documentation and safeguarding of oral traditions and social expressions, the AES member states aim to create a structured framework for the transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations. The meeting is expected to conclude with a series of recommendations designed to protect indigenous practices across the Sahelian region, reinforcing the cultural sovereignty of the Alliance.
MD/Sf/Sf/fss/abj/APA