Ouagadougou: Burkinabe historian Dr. Poussi Sawadogo led an inaugural conference on Monday focusing on “Africa before colonization: pre-colonial glory and cultural destruction,” aimed at the African diaspora and Afro-descendants visiting Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Sawadogo emphasized Africa’s pivotal role as the cradle of humanity, citing examples from Pharaonic Egypt, the ancient West African empires, and Southern African civilizations. He described the slave trade era as a significant tragedy for Africa, affecting its cultural fabric. Despite this historical devastation, Dr. Sawadogo noted that Africa is experiencing a renaissance, driven by local initiatives across the continent.
He highlighted the importance of the visit by Afro-descendants to Burkina Faso, suggesting it helps reconcile historical memories and supports ambitions for Africa’s active participation on the global stage. Dr. Sawadogo remarked, “This visit by Afro-descendants to the land of their ancestors, Burkina Faso, contributes to a reconciliation of memory and fuels the ambition to see Africa fully present on the international scene.”
The conference stirred emotions among participants, including Cameroonian Caline Tcheba, a U.S. resident, who urged for future-oriented actions for Africa. She stated, “What we have learned today should pave the way for new initiatives. I hope that we will invite more of our brothers and sisters to come back and invest in Africa. I am African and I will remain African.”
Organized by the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) in cooperation with the Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conference saw nearly 700 people of African descent visiting Ouagadougou since Sunday as part of a symbolic journey to their ancestral homeland.