Yennenga

Yennenga (fl. 12th century), considered the mother of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso, "has entered into legend, though [her story] may have a core of truth". One of the king's horsemen helped Yennenga, disguised as a man, escape on her stallion. She is described in oral histories as beautiful, with her name, Yennenga, meaning "the slim", referring to her beauty. Her father raised her to be a skilled hunter and fighter and from the age of 14, she fought in battles for her father against the neighbouring Malinkés. Skilled with javelins, spears and bows, she was an excellent horsewoman and commanded her own battalion. She became a cultural icon, a woman with a strong character and an independent mind, and a beloved princess. To express her unhappiness to her father, Yennenga planted a field of wheat. When the crop grew, she let it rot. She explained to her father that was how being unable to marry made her feel. One of the king's horsemen helped Yennenga, disguised as a man, escape on her stallion.

Legacy Yennenga is considered by the Mossi people to be the mother of their empire and many statues of her can be found in the capital city of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou.

In March 2017, an international competition was held. Hardel Le Bihan Architectes were announced as winners of the competition. The project, which is expected to accommodate around 80,000 people over , was under construction as of February 2026. LOOFO