The commune of Niamone, a Bainouk territory rich in Casamance's cultural diversity, has been invited to the Porlahla Arts and Culture Festival in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, which will be held in the town of Kouto from February 3rd to 9th, 2026. This is an opportunity for Casamance culture to shine in Ivory Coast, particularly in Korhogo, and to showcase the customs and traditions of the southern region. This invitation follows the participation of a large delegation from the commune of Korhogo in the Niamone festival.

For Atab Badji, the mayor of Niamone, this festival aims to strengthen social cohesion among the Bainouk, Diola, and Mandinka peoples. "My municipality is fortunate to be a melting pot. That's what makes it so rich," he rejoices.

According to the mayor, the festival lays the foundations for genuine local development and promotes Niamone internationally: "Our presence here in Côte d'Ivoire today demonstrates that the Niamone festival has become an international event and that Niamone is beginning to participate in major festivals held abroad. We thank the Ivorian authorities for the trust they have placed in the people of Niamone and for the invitation to participate in the Porlhala festival."

 

According to the mayor, the Korhogo festival should be the foundation of cohesion between the Ivorian, Senegalese, and Malian peoples. Atab Badji expressed his hope that the Porlhala festival in Korhogo would become a sub-regional festival, and even a UNESCO project.

"I am convinced that this festival is well on its way to being a success. Now, it is up to the organizers and the various participants to work to make this success a reality and for this festival to become a matter for the sub-region, even a matter for UNESCO, because we only have this cultural heritage. And if it is properly promoted, it can be a lever to ensure the economic development of our states," Mr. Badji argued before the Ivorian press.

 

The mayor, at the head of his delegation of about fifty people, promised to showcase the facets of the culture of Niamone and Casamance in general.