Africa: France pours out the wrath of its debacle on artists from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger
According to a press release from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also known as the Quai d’Orsay, a directive has been issued asking cultural operators to stop inviting artists from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. These three countries have recently been hit by military coups, leading France to suspend the issue of visas.
«Artists from Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali are no longer welcome on French stages», the French media reported on Thursday, citing a letter from the Quai d’Orsay sent to festival and show organisers via the Directorate-General for Cultural Affairs.
The Quai d’Orsay has therefore asked subsidised cultural institutions, such as national drama and choreography centres and national stages, to stop inviting artists from these three countries.
This directive was communicated in a letter sent by the cultural affairs departments.
As a result, all cooperation projects carried out by your establishments or departments with institutions or nationals from these three countries must be suspended, without delay and without exception.
Similarly, no invitations to any nationals of these countries should be extended, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs has expressly stated.
In addition, the suspension of all financial support to these associations or troupes of artists from these countries is also requested.
Let’s be clear about one thing: the fight being waged by Africans is not against the French as individuals, but rather against the debasing policies of France State. Either way, it’s an unsurprising decision for many of these countries’ nationals.
Fayçal BADIE
