Togo Hosts 5th International History Festival in Aného

The 5th edition of the Festival international d'histoire d'Aného (FIHA) was launched on November 12 in Aného, Togo. The festival is organized by the Fondation Aquereburu & Partners and the commune of Lacs 1, with support from institutional, technical, cultural, and economic partners. This year's theme is centered around sharing memories, knowledge, cultures, and opportunities. The festival aims to bring people together through history and heritage.

The FIHA festival has become a platform for promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between nations. This year's edition is particularly significant as it honors the European Union, with participating countries including Germany, France, Luxembourg, Austria, and Spain, as well as Morocco and Brazil. The festival also features the city of Blitta, which is participating in an effort to expand the event to other Togolese territories.

The festival program includes a range of activities, such as a carnival, film screenings, traditional dances from Blitta, performances by a Brazilian samba school, and concerts. A German-Togolese fanfare from the Goethe Institute and caravaniers from Bonn, Germany, are also participating in the festivities. One of the highlights of the festival is the unveiling of a fresco dedicated to Gervais Koffi Djondo, a prominent Togolese entrepreneur and former minister.

The festival's organizers aim to revisit the historical ties between Africa and Europe while exploring new opportunities for cooperation. The event provides a platform for dialogue and discovery, bringing together people from different cultural backgrounds. The festival's focus on sharing memories and knowledge is seen as a way to promote understanding and cooperation between nations.

In the lead-up to the festival, a forum on local economic development (FoDEL) was held in partnership with German Cooperation through GIZ. The forum brought together around 40 stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance the attractiveness of territories and stimulate private investment. A partnership agreement for local economic development was also signed between the communes of Lacs 1, Blitta 1, and Dankpen 1.

According to Me Alexis Coffi Aquereburu, mayor of the commune of Lacs 1, the festival's theme of "sharing" reflects a deep conviction that no nation or community can build a sustainable future in isolation. He sees sharing as a wealth that grows when transmitted and shared with others. The festival is now organized every two years, alternating with the Festival international Bella Be.

The FIHA festival has become an important event in Togo's cultural calendar, promoting cultural exchange, cooperation, and economic development. The festival's focus on sharing memories, knowledge, and cultures has created a platform for dialogue and discovery, bringing people together from different parts of the world. The event is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community and promote greater understanding between nations.

Key points

• The festival's theme of "sharing" aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between nations.
• The event honors the European Union, with participating countries including Germany, France, and Spain.
• The festival features a range of activities, including a carnival, film screenings, and traditional dances.