Moore (Burkina Faso) Proverb

Background, Explanation, Meaning and Everyday Use

Burkina Faso is a country in West Africa that was formerly Upper Volta under French rule, but gained independence in 1960. The Mossi people are the largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso. Their kingdoms, Ouagadougou, Yatenga and Gourma, dominated the early history of the region. The Mossi states were created around 1500 A.D., when bands of horseriders rode north from what is now northern Ghana. Mossi is the name of a people now living in central Burkina Faso. The Mossi people are approximately five million and they speak the Moore language.

This Moore proverb means that it is better to help somebody who is in difficulty now than to say that you will do it later or afterwards. Life changes quickly and you don’t know what can happen tomorrow.

Biblical Parallels

Today we belong to humankind here on earth, but tomorrow we belong to God in heaven. To show the power of love for humankind see the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37).

Contemporary Use and Religious Application

In life you must help your brother or sister now and not say that you will do it later or afterwards. In the Bible this is imitating the story of the kind and helpful Good Samaritan who responded immediately.

Alain Joseph Sissao
Chercheur, Burkina Faso

Adresse personnelle
02 B.P. 5178
Ouagadougou 02
Burkina Faso
ajsissao@yahoo.fr

Adresse professionnelle
INSS/CNRST
03 B.P. 7047
Ouagadougou 03
Burkina Faso
alainsis@hotmail.com

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