Unveiling the Spirit of Bobo: Unpacking the Meaning Behind ‘Sya, An ka So, Hèrèso
Bobo-Dioulasso Municipality Adopts Unifying Motto
The members of the special delegation of the Municipality of Bobo-Dioulasso have unanimously adopted a motto, “Sya, An ka So, Hèrèso”, in the Dioula language, or “Sya, kia kuru, siyara na kuru” in the Bobo language, on September 24, 2024.
The representatives of the Bobo-Dioulasso Municipality gathered on September 23 and 24, 2024, for the third normal session of the year. The agenda included examining and adopting a motto for the Commune. On September 24, 2024, the president of the special municipal delegation, Laurent Kontogom, presented the proposal “Sya, An ka So, Hèrèso” to the representatives for discussion. The motto was unanimously adopted by the members of the special delegation.
The adoption of the motto is part of the preparations for the Bobo-Dioulasso Municipality’s centenary in 2026. The special delegation decided to enrich the coat of arms with a motto. An ad hoc commission, led by Soungalo Apollinaire Ouattara, was established to propose a motto. The commission brought together personalities such as Mgr Anselme Titianma Sanon, former mayors of the Bobo Commune, representatives of the usual chiefs of Bobo, Dioula, Peulh, representatives of the Christian community, the Muslim community, and other resourceful individuals.
The commission worked in the city hall between August 29 and 30, 2024. Before the adoption, the president of the ad hoc commission, Soungalo Apollinaire Ouattara, presented the content of the work. He explained that the motto “Sya, An ka So, Hèrèso” reflects the values of coexistence, tolerance, and citizenship for the benefit of the populations. The motto is composed of three parts: Sya (city of coexistence and peace), An ka So (our home for all), and Hèrèso (house of peace).
The adoption of the motto is a significant step towards promoting unity and coexistence in the Municipality of Bobo-Dioulasso. The motto is expected to be an integral part of the Municipality’s identity and a symbol of its values.