Chad was the guest of honour at the 29th edition of the Ouagadougou Pan-African Film and Television Festival (FESPACO), which was held from 22 February to 1 March 2025. The Chadian delegation was proud to officially open the event, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen brotherly relations between two nations that have long lived in harmony. Chad’s involvement in this edition is seen as a significant step towards greater African integration through arts and culture.

A delegation of around 300 people left N’Djamena for Ouagadougou to celebrate this year’s FESPACO. Toumaï’s country made a resounding entrance, showcasing its vibrant presence through music and colour. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno attended the opening ceremony at the Palais des Sports in Ouaga 2000. He declared that Chad’s exceptional participation can be seen as a powerful vehicle for fraternity and closer ties between our peoples, bolstering our historical and cultural links.

The host State dedicated an area for the Chadian community, named Village FESPACO Tchad, located close to the festival headquarters. The opening ceremony was presided over by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Culture, Gilbert Ouédraogo, and his Chadian counterpart, Abakar Rozzi Teguil. The site grew alive with dance troops showcasing Chad’s great artistic wealth, dancing to the sound of the tam-tam and balafon. 

Minister Ouédraogo outlined the parallels between the two cultures, noting the similarity of certain dances to those in the east and south-west of Burkina Faso. Adorned with a white turban, the Burkina Faso minister highlighted the shared historical bonds between the two nations, reassuring Chadians of Burkina Faso’s longstanding cultural and historical connections. Moved by the artistic performances, he advocated for African unity through culture: “Africa is one and indivisible. We share the same rich culture. We are one people. We will move forward harmoniously by coming together.” He then made a strong call for the strengthening of fraternal ties between the peoples of Africa, who he said share “common aspirations and potential”.

Mrs. Yawa Ahofa Kouigan, Togolese Minister of Communication, Media and Culture, was also in attendance at the inauguration of the Village. Her presence underscored the cultural affinities between Togo, Burkina Faso and Chad. She emphasised that it is only Africans who are both aware and proud of their cultural identity, that can effectively convey their own story in the era of globalisation. She encouraged a collective awareness among African peoples. In alignment with her Burkinabe counterpart, she articulated her commitment to nurturing the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and solidarity among African nations.

Every day of the event, the Chad village attracted large crowds with concerts, dance performances, and exhibitions showcasing handcrafted items that highlight Chad as a tourist destination. It was an invitation to other African peoples to visit Chad, where they would be welcomed with open arms and to explore its expansive desert, offering a unique experience with camel caravans. The south of the country is particularly known for its diverse tourist attractions, blending nature, culture and economic opportunities. 

For the Chadian Minister of Culture, FESPACO represents a chance to showcase his country’s traditions, aspirations and history to the world.  He believes FESPACO, beyond being just a festival, serves as a platform where Africa tells its own story through images, heritage and above all, its emotions. In conclusion, he said that the festival was a place for dialogue, encounters and inspiration, where African unity is embodied in its very own diversity.