As part of its mission to promote and safeguard Ivorian cultural heritage, Madam Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, paid a highly symbolic visit to Kouto, in the heart of the Senufo region, on Friday, February 6, 2026. This cultural immersion featured two main highlights: a visit to the Living Human Treasure, Mr. KONÉ Sionfolo, a distinguished balafon maker and musician, followed by a tour of the Balafon School currently under construction by the Bagoué Regional Council.

An emblematic instrument of Senufo culture and a key vehicle for its international recognition, the balafon holds a central place in the artistic and cultural expression of the people of northern Côte d’Ivoire. Aware of its vital role in transmitting cultural values, the Minister warmly visited Mr. KONÉ Sionfolo, a true cultural icon and custodian of ancestral knowledge.

Recognized as a Living Human Treasure, Mr. KONÉ Sionfolo has dedicated several decades of his life to promoting Senufo culture through active participation in numerous cultural and artistic events. A master in the art of balafon making, he offered the Minister a demonstration full of skill and dexterity, revealing a key part of the traditional crafting process, under the admiring gaze of the attending authorities.

This emotional and enriching encounter was followed by a visit to the balafon school under construction in Kouto. This architectural gem, dedicated to training young generations in the art of the balafon, is an initiative of the Bagoué Regional Council, spearheaded by its then-president, Mr. Bruno Nabagné KONÉ, Minister of Agriculture and Food Production.

On this occasion, Madam Françoise Remarck highlighted the importance of the decree establishing the status of Living Human Treasure, emphasizing the essential role of these bearers of traditional knowledge in preserving and transmitting art and culture to future generations. She also praised the efforts of local authorities in safeguarding intangible heritage and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to supporting such structuring initiatives.

Through this visit, the government reaffirms its determination to make culture a driver of sustainable development, while honoring those, like Mr. KONÉ Sionfolo, who passionately and devotedly carry the cultural soul of Côte d’Ivoire.