Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Thursday for his first official visit to the country. President Deby was greeted by Burkina Faso’s transitional President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who extended a “very warm and fraternal welcome,” according to officials.
He is scheduled to attend the opening of the 29th Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), where Chad is the guest of honour.
President Deby was greeted by Burkina Faso’s transitional President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who extended a “very warm and fraternal welcome,” according to officials. Traoré personally welcomed Deby, presenting him with a traditional chapeau-saponé hat, a cultural symbol of Burkina Faso recognised as a world cultural heritage item. The visit follows an invitation extended by Traoré.
Following a review of officials, including presidents of major institutions, senior military officials, ministers, and heads of major military formations, shook hands with President Deby. Captain Traoré also greeted the Chadian delegation, which included Minister of Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Handicrafts Abakar Rozzi Teguil, who is the head of Chad’s participation in the festival, as well as Chadian filmmakers, producers and actors. The two heads of state then had a brief meeting in the Salon of Honour.
According to a press release, both Deby and Traoré represent a new generation of leaders, sharing similar backgrounds and a common responsibility for their respective nations. The two leaders are said to embody the strong historical ties and shared destiny of their countries, underscoring the importance of preserving and strengthening their multifaceted cooperation based on kinship, fraternity, and trust.
Deby, who recently became an author with his book “From Bedouin to President,” understands the impact of culture in promoting his country’s image. His presence at the film festival underscores his commitment to supporting Chadian filmmakers.
For the Chadian community in Burkina Faso, the visit was a source of pride, with many expressing their enthusiasm as the presidential motorcade passed.
Deby’s attendance at FESPACO highlights his commitment to promoting national identity, creating a fund for cultural initiatives, and building modern cultural infrastructure. According to officials, he aims to go beyond simply discussing the importance of culture, instead embracing the power of cinema to tell Chad’s story to the world.
This year marks the first time Chad has been the guest of honour at FESPACO since its creation in 1969, following the International Tourism and Hotel Trade Show of Ouagadougou (SITHO) more than a decade prior.
Chad has sent a large delegation to FESPACO, including three films in competition.
