A Nigerien flutist and singer has a message for France, his country’s former colonial power, which has banned cultural venues from collaborating with artists from Niger.
Yacouba Moumouni expresses his discontent, saying, “The French should respect us. If we say, ‘I’m not going to give a visa,’ that’s like saying to a child, ‘If you don’t do that, I can’t buy you a sweet.’ We are not at that level; we have gone beyond that.”
This sentiment is shared by many artists in Niger who are reacting to France’s decision to suspend visa issuance to Nigerien nationals.
Rachid Ramane, President of the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Associations of Niger, emphasizes that they won’t beg and asserts that Nigerien artists are part of the global artistic community. He adds, “We can’t remove our cultures from the world’s culture.”
Ramane also points out that Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are facing significant challenges and are simply seeking independence and autonomy. He urges understanding from others.
The French General Directorates for Cultural Affairs issued a letter instructing national drama and choreography centers to halt all projects involving nationals from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Garba Mahamane Lawali, director of the Niger musical training and promotion center, believes that cultures that remain closed and isolated are destined to decline. He highlights Africa’s openness to the world and suggests that France needs to adapt to this new era intelligently.
Currently, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are experiencing diplomatic tensions with France due to political turmoil led by military juntas that ousted democratically elected leaders. France has suspended development aid and budget support operations with these countries, escalating the situation.