Gambiaj.com – (Bignona, Casamance) – Thiobon village, located in the commune of Karthiack in southern Senegal, came alive on Monday during the official launch of the 2025 edition of the Boukout, a major initiation rite in the Ajamaat culture. The initiation culminated with the sacred forest entry by hundreds of youths on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

Monday’s official ceremony, deeply symbolic and rich in tradition, brought together all the neighborhoods of the village and attracted members of the Joola community from across the country and beyond.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and was graced by the presence of Minister of Infrastructure, Air and Land Transport, Yancoba Diémé, who represented the head of government.

He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several mayors from the Bignona Department.

In his address, Minister Diémé praised the dedication and professionalism of the Boukout organizing committee and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting local cultural initiatives. He also promised the continuation of key development projects initiated by the village in preparation for the Boukout, which is eagerly awaited by the community.

The village spokesperson expressed heartfelt thanks to both administrative and local authorities, particularly the sub-prefect of Tendouck arrondissement, for their ongoing support.

Despite the strong turnout and festive atmosphere, the event was cut short by heavy rainfall, which prevented the minister from continuing his planned meetings with local residents and future initiates.

Tragically, the celebration was marred by an accident: a man lost his left arm due to the mishandling of a homemade firearm.

Nevertheless, the packed gathering at the Thiobon field was a powerful testament to the community’s enduring connection to this centuries-old tradition.