by Glory Mushinge
– Zambia –
The past week saw some of Lusaka’s top members of the diplomatic community from Francophone embassies in Zambia, get carried away with festivities for ten straight days and nights, between the 15th to the 25th of March.
This kind of exuberance is a rare occurrence that happens only once a year and attracts throngs of people who don’t want to be left out of the fun.
Francophone Week, or La Semaine de la Francophonie, celebrates different cultures through a variety of activities.
Representatives from a host of countries, many from within the Francophone community, made time to play together as they danced to musical performers from Africa and Europe, viewed paintings and sculptures, laughed at comedy presented by theatre artists, and played sports of various kinds for over a week.
Against this backdrop of creativity, Francophonie fosters political action and promotes multilateral cooperation.
This year’s Francophonie transformed the city of Lusaka into a hive of activity as citizens from various countries and some locals flocked to different venues spread across the city to enjoy the entertainment. Performers were flown in from other countries, such as Reunion Island and Guinea Conakry, by the organizing committee, spearheaded by the French embassy and facilitated by representatives from different Francophone countries through their embassies.
For Francophone General Secretary, Mr. Abdou Diouf, the aptly titled Living Together but Differently event is a reminder for humanity, especially those in the Francophone community, to celebrate both common bonds and differences.
“These words are meant to remind us of the precious differences that account for the diversity and wealth of the Francophone community, but also of these intolerable differences on which the Francophonie action is based,” said Diouf.
Francophonie has, in past years, enjoyed overwhelming response from Zambians. However, the attendance of local Zambians this year seemed to have diminished greatly, compared to years past where performance centers were filled with three quarters of the Zambian community. This time it was the revelers from the foreign countries that dominated most events, a situation which is unusual, as Zambians love to have fun.
Random interviews conducted with some art-loving Zambians revealed that they now want to see their cultures incorporated into such activities as opposed to being on the receiving end all the time. Some people said the event seemed tailored to fit the people from the Francophone countries, as it presented activities that most of the local people could not identify with.
They suggested including some Zambian artists and programs for balance and so that Zambians would feel welcome.
“This is not a Francophone country, so the Francophonie events should accommodate us Zambians, but the way the programs are made, it’s like the events are meant only for French speakers—the programs and performances are in French and not many Zambians are able to understand the language. Some of the programs are so much inclined to western cultures that the people don’t appreciate it anymore as they also want to see their own culture being displayed,” said one Zambian fan.
Other observers stated that because these activities are organized in this country, and ostensibly for the local populace, more local artists should be given an opportunity to perform alongside the foreign performers.
In response to these sentiments, French Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi, Francis Saudubray, challenged Zambian artists to get proactive in sharing their culture by proposing activities for the event.
He stated that his embassy’s doors were open to such proposals from local artists so that it could be a win-win situation, but no such proposals had been made.
“It is not my role to distribute Zambian culture. I can only play certain roles,” he said.
Nevertheless, the ambassador was quick to appreciate the Zambians and other nationals for supporting
Francophonie.
“Francophonie is another way of thinking and living in today’s world. That is why, with its references to cultural diversity and dialogue between cultures, it speaks to Zambians even if they do not speak French,” he said, adding that there is a strong and close relationship between peace and culture.
The French embassy in Zambia has, over the years, provided support to local artists and designers by using the Alliance Francaise, a wing of the embassy that facilitates cultural exchange by organizing different events and French classes. As a venue for local art displays and performances, the Alliance Francaise has also contributed funds towards the celebration of the country’s cultural renaissance and tradition.
Director Jean-Luc Taradel pledged to work towards organizing future Francophonie events in a manner that would satisfy the Zambian community more, by incorporating new companies and performances that would be appreciated by the locals.
“Organizing the Francophonie week here is always a challenge because you want to organize for the public and that public is Zambian,” he observed.
About the Author
Glory Mushinge is a Zambian freelance journalist and columnist working with various media organizations, both locally and internationally. Having won a highly competitive scholarship to Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, Glory is currently in their Masters program for International Journalism.
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