Rabat: Former Burkinabe Minister of Culture and writer Bernadette Sanou/Dao spoke out against stereotypes during the International Book and Publishing Fair in Rabat, emphasizing the value of Africa’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. “Our cultural diversity is an extraordinary wealth; we claim it and are proud of it,” she declared.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Sanou/Dao addressed misconceptions that portray Africa’s ethnic multiplicity, languages, and traditional practices as barriers to unity and development. She criticized views of African societies as tribal and clannish, and the labeling of African doctors and religious beliefs in pejorative terms. She highlighted the richness of African spirituality, illustrating with examples from her own culture.
Sanou/Dao participated in a panel alongside writers from Niger and Chad, discussing the role of literature in dispelling prejudices about Africa’s cultural diversity. She argued that Africa’s multilingualism and numerous ethnic groups are assets that writers should celebrate and share with the world. She encouraged African writers to use cultural diversity as inspiration and to challenge stereotypes through their work.
The presentation resonated with the audience, particularly Moroccan attendees who related to the diverse names for God mentioned by Sanou/Dao, paralleling similar concepts in Islam. Antoinette Tidjani Alou from Nigeria and Ahmad Taboye from Chad also contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the writer’s role in reflecting truth and societal issues through their work.
Burkina Faso is represented at the fair by the Mercury publishing house and writers such as Thierry Millogo and Sanou/Dao. The event, featuring 756 exhibitors from 51 countries, is held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI and includes participation from the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication.