Yamenya Youssouph Affair: Burkina Faso Reminds Artists of Their Obligations Abroad

Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism has reminded artists and cultural professionals that a 2025 regulation requires them to notify the country’s diplomatic and consular missions when travelling abroad for work. The rule is intended to coordinate trips, promote Burkinabè culture and help protect artists overseas. The reminder comes amid controversy in Côte d’Ivoire over comments by Yamenya Youssouph, known as Issouf Manem-yam, about Ivorian nationality and LGBTQ people; his concert scheduled for October 17 in Port-Bouët, Abidjan, was cancelled. The municipality also cited the alleged unauthorized use of the deputy mayor’s image and alleged insulting remarks about the president, an accusation that has not been verified.