Dakar, November 30, 2025 – The first edition of the arts and culture festival, ECOFEST, was officially launched this Sunday, November 30, at the Doudou-Ndiaye-Coumba-Rose National Grand Theater in Dakar. Under the theme "Political Transformations and Crises in West Africa: What Can Culture Do?", this event, which will run until December 6, 2025, is a joint initiative of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presided over the opening ceremony, highlighting the fundamental role of culture in resolving conflicts and consolidating peace between the peoples of the region.

Côte d'Ivoire, true to its cultural commitment, was represented by Mr. Hien Sié, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck. "It was the Minister, who was unable to attend, who honored me by appointing me to lead the Ivorian delegation," he told the press after the ceremony.

In his address, Mr. Hien Sié emphasized the importance of culture in the face of the numerous crises shaking West Africa: “Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reminded us that culture is an essential tool for managing difficulties and promoting reconciliation, peace, and social cohesion.” According to him, “culture unites people, it allows us to overcome divisions and build a peaceful society.”

Organized to mobilize cultural forces in the fight against regional conflicts, ECOFEST brings together artists, musicians, visual artists, sculptors, as well as representatives of intangible and tangible heritage. "This festival is a unique opportunity for the people of West Africa to discover and appreciate the contribution of the arts to resolving socio-political challenges," explained Mr. Hien Sié.

The Ivorian delegation, comprising 40 people, showcases a rich artistic diversity. "You will be able to admire modern artists, exhibitions on Ivorian cultural heritage, as well as traditional performances. Among them, the Zaouli troupe, inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, will be featured, along with traditional musicians and promising young talents," added the chief of staff.

Côte d'Ivoire has always considered culture a key driver of social cohesion and peace. Under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, a strong advocate of sub-regional integration, the country has developed a dynamic cultural policy. This has resulted in the enactment of key laws, such as the National Cultural Policy (Law 2014-425 of July 14, 2014) and the creation of the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs (Law 2014-428 of July 14, 2014), which was enshrined in the constitution in 2016. These institutional mechanisms enshrine the social mediation of traditional authorities and promote inter-ethnic alliances, thereby guaranteeing peace and the promotion of intangible heritage, a vehicle for collective memory and national unity.

Moctar Sissoko