The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane SONKO, in Dakar said the vital and dynamic role of culture.
He described it as the cornerstone of both national unity and sovereignty.
He officially presided over the opening ceremony of the first edition of West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST)at the Grand National Theatre Doudou Ndiaye Rose.
Representing the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, the Prime Minister delivered a compelling speech, underlining how culture can serve as a pillar to support the region’s stability amid current geopolitical and socio-economic challenges.
Culture: The Pillar of Unity and Sovereignty
Addressing distinguished guests, including representatives of the UEMOA and ECOWAS Commissions, co-organizers alongside the Senegalese government, the Prime Minister highlighted a fundamental truth for the smooth functioning of our region:
“Geopolitical realities remind us that none of our political or economic gains are truly secure unless they are grounded in our culture. In the face of multifaceted crises, culture remains our strongest safeguard and most effective lever.”
He described the theme of this inaugural event, “Political Changes and Crises in West Africa: What Can Culture Do?” as “more relevant as ever,” and elaborated:
“Culture can address everything. It unites where politics divides. It heals where conflicts cause wounds. It inspires where doubt and uncertainty threaten to paralyze us.”
A Festival for Regional Integration
For the Prime Minister, the principal goal of ECOFEST is clear: “to foster integration, social cohesion, peace, and development through culture.”
This initiative echoes Senegal’s broader cultural policy, recently demonstrated through the organization of the Book and Reading Forum in Senegal and the national tribute to Professor Amadou Makhtar Mbow, a visionary leader of Pan-Africanism.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, he declared: “Our mission is to make culture a fundamental pillar of our economic development, social progress, and a key vector of our intellectual and moral sovereignty.”
A Call to the Youth
The opening ceremony was praised as “a memorable moment of shared artistic spirit and exchange,” featuring performances from renowned artists such as Sidiki Diabaté (Mali), Ismaël Lo (Senegal), Gyakie (Ghana), Solange Cesarovna (Cabo Verde), and the National Company Daniel Sorano.
He issued an impassioned appeal to the Senegalese people, especially the youth: “Engage fully with this Festival. Fill the exhibition halls, concert venues, and debate forums with your energy and enthusiasm, until the event concludes on December 6.”
Finally, Prime Minister Sonko called on the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions to strengthen their support mechanisms for cultural and creative industries, reaffirming that “culture is the shortest path from one people to another, the best way to build lasting understanding and friendship.”
