Prime Minister of Mali Commends Success of Songhoy Cultural Festival and Calls for Continued Cultural Engagement
On February 20, 2024, Prime Minister Dr. Choguel Kokalla Maïga welcomed a delegation from the executive board of the Association of Songhoy Culture Communities in Motion – Ir Ganda. Led by the first vice-president, Nounous Hamèye Dicko, representing President Ousmane Issoufi Maïga, the delegation included the Chief of Zinder Canton, Mahamoudou Harouna Djingarèye from Niger.
The purpose of the meeting was to inquire about the Prime Minister’s health and provide him with a report on the first edition of the festival held from February 15 to 17, 2024.
The festival aimed to strengthen social cohesion among Songhoy culture communities, promote Songhoy culture in Mali and globally, and enhance the resilience of Malians against terrorism.
Expressing his satisfaction with the inaugural edition, the Prime Minister urged the organizers to strive for even greater success in the upcoming editions.
He emphasized the importance of cultural events in countering claims that Mali is isolated, citing the flourishing cultural activities that have brought together people from various nationalities in recent years.
«Without culture, we can achieve nothing; when everything is lost, culture remains. The Songhoy culture society must continue to play its role. It is the foundation of the new Mali being built. We must make the process irreversible», stated the Prime Minister.
Younouss Hamèye Dicko, the president of the organizing committee, highlighted the festival as a platform for exchange and giving.
He mentioned the international scientific symposium where experts from ten countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin, delved into aspects of the Songhoy language under the theme «Communion and Resilience for Mali».
