Wavy walls Fears for future of unique houses in Burkina Faso

A world heritage site that was once a famous tourist destination is under threat amid changing weather patterns.

- Elia Borràs

The wavy-walled houses covered with singular geometric lines of the Royal Court of Tiébélé in Burkina Faso, established in the 16th century, are recognisable all over the world. The paintings represent the thoughts, culture and religion of the Kassena people, literally written on the walls.

Tiébélé, in the south of the country, is one of only four Burkinabé sites on the Unesco world heritage list. But now its future is uncertain. "Nowadays, it's easier to build with metal roofs and cement," said Abdou Ané, a young resident in Tiébélé.

The area was once an unmissable tourist destination in Burkina Faso. But the jihadist violence rumbling through the country and its neighbours, Mali and Niger, since a failed coup in 2015 is deterring visitors. To reach Tiébélé means crossing the Nazinon bridge, which was attacked and is now under heavy military control. Tourism numbers are declining every year.