From the podium to the audience and the reception service to the catering etc., the blending between Cameroon and Benin was perfectly reflected. From the event’s partners, the artistic performances, the guests: everything was a perfect blend. Beninese, Chadians, Central Africans, Congolese, Gabonese, Ivorians… all turned up. The event was so warmly welcomed in Cotonou that it all reflected in the appreciation demonstated by members of the different communities.
‘’As Beninese people, their actions have given us food for thought. Some remarkable things are actually taking place. We need to reciprocate the things we find good and admire in others. Of course, things are not predominantly all roses, nevertheless, there are lessons to be learnt,” Tchessi Fassassi, the Beninese who runs the fitness centre, stated. In his opinion, interaction with other communities allows us to assess ourselves in areas such as art, culture, sport, and other areas. He also sees it as a subtle way of passing on the baton to the younger generation, given that the new generation must be connected to the old.
‘’It’s a very good initiative, and it has made it possible for me to discover the other communities present – Chadian, Gabonese, Congolese… and to strengthen our ties and make contacts in the event that one day we may find ourselves in that particular country, and this could prove really useful,‘’ maintains Telesphore Biansere-Ongtiga, a young Central African.
For Moïse Fooba, a young Chadian, “If only each community could organize such events, not only in Benin but in every country to mark their presence, it would be beneficial for Africa. This will allow people from different countries to learn about each other’s cultures.”
Ali Djeroua Tarsa, a young Chadian, was impressed: ‘’Showcasing your culture abroad is enriching. It’s a way of marketing your country abroad. As the saying goes, culture is wealth.’
André Erasme Mayatela Kimbembe, President of the Congolese (Brazzaville) community in Benin, had this to say: ‘The Cameroonian community wanted to seize the opportunity of this event to showcase Cameroonian youth in Benin. He believes that cultural interaction implies that we no longer need to be wary of each other, because prejudices are a global phenomenon. But by coming together, we not only discover each other’s qualities, but also our imperfections.
“As far as I’m concerned, as long as we continue to reject what have been labeled as bad or flawed qualities, the world will never evolve. We must accept others for their weaknesses, and this is what will bring about change in the world.” he maintains.
Kimbembe believes that this event also serves to show that there is a brotherly people who have come from elsewhere and are united with the people of Benin, and that they must be accepted
The Cameroonian youth’s initiative has stirred the ego of certain other communities who are now eager to organise similar events, and are already advertising their intentions. In addition the night of festivities also featured the discovery of Cameroonian cuisine, a Miss and Mister Youth pageant, fitness sessions, a gala match, a blood donation session at the teaching hospital CNHU, the country’s largest hospital and a sanitation campaign.