Dakar, December 2, 2025 – As part of the first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST), the Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to Senegal, Mamadou Haidara, visited exhibitors and artists at the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar on Tuesday, December 2. This event, launched on November 30, 2025, by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, runs until December 6 and showcases the rich cultural diversity of the region.

Welcomed by the Ivorian delegation of some forty people, including artists, musicians, visual artists, sculptors, as well as representatives of intangible and tangible heritage, Mamadou Haidara emphasized the importance of cultural engagement and African integration. This delegation was led by Mr. Hien Sié, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d'Ivoire.

In his address, Ambassador Haidara delivered a strong message in favor of peace and unity in the sub-region. "Putting the people at the heart of our concerns and offering them a moment of joy is an essential means of bringing people together," he emphasized, recalling the numerous challenges facing the region. He also indicated that Côte d'Ivoire remains fully committed to these efforts, demonstrating its dedication to the stability and development of the region.

During this visit, the Commissioner General of the International Zaouli Festival (FEIZA), Mr. Koffi Amani, also emphasized the crucial role of culture in conflict resolution. "Culture allows us to get to know each other better, to understand each other's customs and traditions, and thus to build true African unity. We are beginning to understand that we are all one people," he stated.

Mr. Amani noted that Côte d'Ivoire, a country with over 60 ethnic groups, has managed to build "a nation" despite this diversity. This success, he stated, serves as an example for all of Africa when it comes to overcoming ethnic and social conflicts.

Finally, Dr. Kadio, a member of the Ivorian Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, emphasized that Côte d'Ivoire's participation in the Festival goes far beyond mere heritage. According to him, "Côte d'Ivoire is present through its traditional arts, such as the Zaouli dance and the tchéké, but also through painting, sculpture, and photography," several works of which are participating in a competition organized as part of ECOFEST.

Ambassador Haidara's visit to the African Renaissance Monument concluded with a Zaouli dance performance, accompanied by traditional Ivorian music, demonstrating the cultural dynamism and influence of Côte d'Ivoire at this regional event.

Moctar Sissoko