Ouagadougou:The Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, inaugurated an international symposium in Ouagadougou focusing on African sovereignty through the lens of Cheikh Anta Diop's intellectual contributions.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the symposium is scheduled for October 14 and 15 and aims to emphasize the importance of historical memory, culture, and knowledge in fostering an autonomous Africa. This event is part of the Year II roadmap activities of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), drawing participation from researchers, academics, and historians from countries including Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Canada, and the United States. The theme, "Sovereignty cultural heritage and vision of Cheikh Anta Diop," will guide discussions across seven areas, such as African cultural unity, the political role of history, scientific methodology, development, and self-determination.

Minister Ouedraogo underscored the connection between the endeavors of Cheikh Anta Diop and Thomas Sankara, both of whom were pivotal in advocating for the emancipation of African peoples, the restoration of the continent's history, and the rejection of external domination. He highlighted that Africa's sovereignty extends beyond resource control and political independence to include cultural, intellectual, scientific, and memorial dimensions.

The symposium's inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Aziz Salmone Fall, renowned for his scholarship on Cheikh Anta Diop and Thomas Sankara.