By Ibrahim Ahmed aka Pino and Beatriz de León Cobo
On 4 November, the Sahel Europe Dialogue Forum of the Central Africa Observatory for the Global Commons (Francisco de Vitoria University) organised a cultural day devoted to West Africa. The event offered participants a rich and comprehensive immersion in the cultural, artistic and political realities of the Sahel. Through a variety of activities, the conference highlighted culture as a fundamental tool for peace, community resilience and solidarity. It also highlighted the importance of telling the stories of this region in order to better understand its challenges, its riches and the way in which its inhabitants continue to preserve profound human values despite adversity.
Photo exhibition: The Sahel through the lens of Souleymane Ag Anara
Souleymane Ag Anara's photographic exhibition marked the start of this unique day, plunging visitors into the heart of the Sahel. Visitors had the opportunity to discover images that powerfully immortalise the culture and daily life of Africa's nomadic communities. The photographs, infused with light, capture vibrant scenes ranging from nomadic encampments to local festivities, highlighting the variety of communities that inhabit this vast region. Through this exhibition, Souleymane has transported the public to the heart of the desert, offering an intimate and deeply human look at majestic landscapes and authentic scenes of life. His photographs highlight the resilience and dignity of nomadic peoples in the face of contemporary challenges. Souleymane is a journalist, artist and photographer known for documenting major crises in the Sahel and producing cultural work for international media such as Agence France-Presse, Arte and Reuters.
Artist Souleymane Ag Anara with his photographs.
Visitors were deeply moved by the realism and humanity of his work. Souleymane shared personal anecdotes about the process of creating his images, describing how he spent time with communities to understand and capture the essence of their daily lives. He stressed that photography is a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting peace, by giving a human face to realities that are often reduced to statistics in the media.
He also highlighted the joy and solidarity that exist despite everything, with images of local festivals and moments of community sharing. The event enabled visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Sahara and connect with the values of peace and solidarity inherent in these ancient societies. He recalled that the culture of the Sahel is a pillar of stability and social cohesion, essential for promoting lasting peace. A rare opportunity for the Madrid public to discover the soul of the desert.
Tea ceremony with Alkhousseini Ag Chekhou and Tuareg handicrafts
The traditional tea ceremony, organised by Alkhousseini Ag Chekhou, ambassador for peace and Tuareg culture in Niger, was a moment of discovery and connection. This ritual, which symbolises hospitality, patience and the importance of social ties, offered participants a unique insight into nomadic life. Alkhousseini guided guests through the steps of preparing and sharing tea, explaining that each gesture has a meaning. He emphasised that the tea ceremony is a pillar of the Tuareg culture of peace, and is often used as a framework for community discussions and conflict resolution.
The participants were fascinated by the stories told by Alkhousseini, particularly about how this ritual promotes dialogue and harmony in the camps, even in times of tension. She described situations where disputes had been resolved by drinking tea, transforming this simple gesture into a tool for mediation and rapprochement. By attending the ceremony, visitors learned that culture is not just a heritage to be preserved, but a living force that plays an active role in building peace and maintaining social cohesion.
Niger's ambassador for peace and Tuareg culture, Alkhousseini Ag Chekhou, serving tea to students at the Francisco de Vitoria University.
Alongside the ceremony, a Tuareg craft market was set up, showcasing traditional works such as silver jewellery, naturally dyed fabrics and beautifully crafted leather goods. Mr Alkhousseini explained that handicrafts are not just a means of earning a living, but also a way of passing on cultural values from generation to generation.
Cinéforum: Timbuktu and discussion with Ibrahim Ahmed
One of the highlights of the day was the screening of Timbuktu, a masterly film by Abderrahmane Sissako depicting life under jihadist rule in Timbuktu. The film, acclaimed worldwide for its visual beauty and humanist message, tells stories of peaceful resistance in the face of a brutal extremist regime. Participants were impressed by the way Sissako uses lyrical images to show the absurdity of the prohibitions imposed by the jihadists, such as the ban on playing music or sport. These scenes, full of symbolism, show the strength of the human spirit and the persistence of culture in the face of violence.
The scene of the boys playing football without a ball, using only gestures and laughter to defy the ban, particularly struck a chord with the audience. It symbolised the power of imagination and solidarity, even in times of repression. Another striking scene showed musicians playing and singing in secret, defying the law with music that was both an act of rebellion and a cry for freedom. These moments illustrate how culture can become an act of resistance, a tool for preserving identity and a symbol of hope for future generations.
After the screening, Ibrahim Ahmed, the film's lead actor, shared his personal experiences and the challenges he faced in portraying his character. He spoke of the emotional impact of the film, not only on him, but also on the communities that saw their reality portrayed on screen. For him, the responsibility of artists is to capture and convey the struggles of the people of the Sahel in an authentic way, and he stressed the importance of intercultural dialogue in overcoming stereotypes and promoting peace. The audience, inspired by his words, asked questions about the creative process and exchanged views on the role of cinema as a tool for social transformation.
Ibrahim Ahmed Pino, actor in the film Timbuktu, with Pablo Manzano, Doctor of Audiovisual Communication at Francisco de Vitoria University, and Beatriz de León Cobo, Director of the Sahel Europe Dialogue Forum.
Round table: The Sahel today: political, humanitarian and diplomatic perspectives
The day ended with a round table of eminent experts who discussed the political, humanitarian and security challenges facing the Sahel. Mohamed Ag Albachar, former Director of Cabinet at the Ministry for Malians Living Abroad, Beatriz de León Cobo, Director of the Sahel-Europe Dialogue Forum at Francisco de Vitoria University, and Ambassador Ángel Losada, former EU Special Representative for the Sahel, offered diverse and informed perspectives on regional dynamics. The discussions highlighted the urgency of effective international cooperation and the need to integrate local solutions into global policies.
The speakers examined how the culture of peace can play a key role in resolving conflicts and stabilising the region. They also emphasised the importance of a holistic approach combining security, development and cultural dialogue, stressing that peace efforts must be based on respect for local realities.
Impact and final thoughts
This West African cultural day demonstrated that culture is much more than a historical legacy: it is a driving force for change, peace and solidarity. Participants left the event with a better understanding of the complexities of the Sahel and a renewed appreciation of how art and tradition can contribute to resilience. The event underlined that even in contexts of crisis, culture remains a key element in building fairer and more stable societies, reminding us that cultural expressions not only enrich our lives, but also have the power to transform realities and bring communities together.
The testimonies, activities and discussions were a call to action to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and mutual respect. The day was a vibrant tribute to the spirit of the Sahel, a space for dialogue where art, culture and politics intersect to provide lasting solutions. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of solidarity and intercultural understanding in a world seeking peace and justice, and an invitation to continue working together to preserve and celebrate the rich traditions that keep these communities alive.
The event also showed that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but also the presence of understanding, respect and strong cultural links. The stories shared and images presented reflected the strength and optimism of the people of the Sahel, underlining that despite the challenges, there is a rich heritage of wisdom and cohesion that can inspire the world. The day ended with the hope that each participant will leave with a renewed commitment to support and amplify these cultural voices, contributing to a future where diversity and dialogue are the basis of sustainable solutions.
All in all, the West African Cultural Day was a transformative journey and an experience that left its mark on the hearts and minds of all those present, showing how culture can be a genuine vehicle for peace and development.
Comentarios