Toubacouta, May 9 (APS) – The commune of Toubacouta, in the department of Foundiougne, will host from May 24 to 26, the eighth edition of the Niumi Badiya Border Festival, a cultural event which aims to promote sub-regional integration between Senegal and Gambia.
“This festival which brings together the people of the Gambia and Senegal is a factor in sub-regional integration and the promotion of African culture. It is an event which strengthens fraternal ties between Senegal and the Gambia,” indicated the mayor of Toubacouta, Pape Seydou Ndianko, after a preparatory meeting for the event.
The theme of this edition is: “What tourism for the development of mangrove territories in a context of climate change.”
A panel on the theme and other activities are planned with artists, artisans as well as the exhibition of food products processed by women and young people from Toubacouta and towns in the Gambia.
”It’s a meeting for both peoples. The commune of Toubacouta borders the Gambia. Our two peoples have commercial exchanges and good fraternal relations, hence the importance of holding this annual festival to consolidate relations,” underlined the mayor.
Pape Seydou Ndianko announced the participation of delegations from Banjul (Gambia), Sédhiou and Thionck-Essyl, inviting “all cultural actors from other regions to lend a hand to integration”.
The sub-prefect of Toubacouta, Amath Saiko Ly, indicated for his part that the “Niumi Badiya” Festival will contribute to reflection on “the good ways to adopt” to face climate change and perpetuate the mangrove in the Delta. Saloum.
“We want the communities of both countries to take ownership of this festival which will try, with the help of eminent professionals, to find ways to cope with the heatwave and the preservation of the mangrove,” he said. .
The participation of people from the Gambia and Senegal is expected, he added, emphasizing the artists’ commitment to preserving “cousinage and good neighborly relations”.
“This festival has a cross-border dimension. It is important to consolidate acquired knowledge through culture, which is a skill transferred to bring our communities together,” said the sub-prefect.
SDI/ADL/OID
