On Sunday, September 20, French Ambassador to Moroni Etienne Chapon paid a visit to the commune of Bambao Ya Mboini, accompanied by local officials, including Mayor Ali Nahouza and regional Deputy Mariama Ahamada M'sa. During his visit, Chapon engaged with local associative structures, showcasing his cultural appreciation by performing traditional Shigoma dances at Ikoni. The visit aimed to strengthen Franco-Comorian ties and discuss potential areas of cooperation.
Chapon's itinerary included a tour of the local medina and a waste collection project, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. He then met with leaders of local associations, reaffirming France's commitment to supporting initiatives that valorize historical sites and promote youth integration through innovative activities. This visit underscores France's ongoing role in Comoros, particularly in the preservation of the country's rich cultural heritage.
The French ambassador emphasized his country's technical expertise in the valorization of the six historical sultanate medinas, a process in which France played a decisive role. Along with Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, France provided significant contributions that enabled the successful inscription of these medinas on UNESCO's World Heritage list. This achievement demonstrates the strong partnership between Comoros and its international allies in preserving cultural heritage.
Moving forward, the focus shifts to implementing training programs for medina managers and creating job-generating activities for young people. These initiatives aim to ensure the perpetuation of medina memory and harness their potential as levers for developing sectors such as tourism. By investing in human capital and promoting cultural preservation, France and Comoros can work together to unlock the socio-economic potential of these historical sites.
According to a participant in the visit, the goal is to stimulate additional initiatives that can help Comoros, particularly the commune of Bambao Ya Mboini, anticipate and support future programs and integration activities. This forward-thinking approach highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving sustainable development and cultural preservation.
During his visit, Ambassador Chapon expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received, stating, "Je vous remercie du fond de mon cœur pour votre accueil. La France sera toujours aux côtés de l’Union des Comores pour soutenir les initiatives qui concourent à son développement." This sentiment encapsulates France's commitment to standing alongside Comoros in supporting development initiatives that foster growth and progress.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their mutual interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation. As Comoros continues to develop its cultural and economic sectors, the support of international partners like France will be crucial in achieving its goals. The successful collaboration on medina preservation serves as a model for future joint initiatives that can drive growth and improve living standards in Comoros.
Key points
- France reaffirms its commitment to supporting local initiatives in Comoros that promote cultural preservation and youth integration.
- The French ambassador's visit highlights the successful partnership between France and Comoros in preserving historical sites, including the medinas of the sultanats historiques.
- Future programs will focus on training medina managers and creating job-generating activities for young people to ensure the perpetuation of medina memory and promote sustainable development.
