OUAGADOUGOU — On the occasion of the first day of the Kamite New Year 6261, celebrated on Friday, July 19, leaders within the “Two Hours for Us, Two Hours for Kamita” initiative urged Africans to reconnect with the continent’s historical roots and cultural values.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the national coordinator for the initiative, the Kamit calendar, believed to be conceived by the ancestors of Africa, serves as a cultural beacon similar to other regional calendars, such as the 4722-year-old Chinese calendar, the 2016-year-old Ethiopian calendar, and the 1446-year-old Muslim calendar. During the closing of the 9th edition of the Sankoré universities, Imotep highlighted the importance of Africans embracing this calendar to foster a unique cultural identity and advance the nation-building process in Africa.

Imotep questioned the necessity for black people to abandon their cultural identity in the pursuit of modernization, advocating for the preservation and celebration of African heritage. Supporting this perspective, the Minister of State in charge of Communication, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, emphasized the need for Africa to develop new paradigms of governance that reflect the continent’s values and ambitions for self-driven development.

Furthermore, Ouédraogo called for a comprehensive reinvention of African society across various sectors including agriculture, education, justice, and the economy, to reclaim Africa’s historical role as a cradle of civilization and a contributor to global development. He stressed the importance of self-awareness and an appreciation of historical contributions by Africans.

The Minister in charge of the Civil Service, Bassolma Bazié, challenged national authorities to lead the effort in societal reconstruction, acknowledging that significant reforms often involve hardship. He also encouraged students to pursue a deeper understanding of African history to avoid succumbing to narratives that diminish African cultural values.

Representing the Prime Minister, the Minister in charge of National Education, Jacques Sosthène DINGARA, highlighted the vital role of educating the youth about Africa’s rich history. He argued that understanding the legacy of ancient African civilizations is crucial for empowering future generations to build a more prosperous future.