Algerian Radio
Algeria commemorated World Africa Day this Sunday by celebrating its national and African heritage through a cultural exhibition organized at the Moufdi Zakaria Palace of Culture. The event highlighted the continent's cultural heritage as one of the most vital elements of both national and African identity.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda; the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of the National Community Abroad, Sofiane Chaib; the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lounès Magramane; the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps accredited to Algeria and Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda, John Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu; as well as various African ambassadors to Algeria.
In her address on this occasion, Ms. Bendouda expressed her delight in hosting African nations to celebrate "our heritage and culture, of which we are immensely proud," praising the "great commitment shown by citizens both inside and outside the country, as well as their courage in defending this heritage."
The Minister also highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture in this regard. This collaboration, she noted, serves as proof of the importance attached to protecting Algerian heritage and identity, alongside the broader African heritage that "we fiercely defend and highly value in every detail."
For his part, Mr. Chaib noted that this event sheds light on the diverse and rich African cultural heritage, emphasizing the "importance of collective action towards a prosperous and sustainable continent, so that Africa continues to rise thanks to unity and resilience."
In this context, the Secretary of State advocated for the "shared responsibility of African countries to preserve and sustainably manage one of our continent's most vital resources: water." He affirmed that "Africa, the cradle of humanity, has always taught the world the values of resilience, solidarity, harmony with nature, and collective responsibility." He further stressed that "the preservation of our African roots lies in our unity and in safeguarding our resources for future generations."
Mr. Chaib also highlighted the "importance of water resources in the development of Africa, as the foundation for food security, public health, energy production, environmental protection, industrial growth, and social stability—all of which are prerequisites for achieving the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063."
Meanwhile, Mr. John Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who "places Africa at the forefront of everything," pointing to the rich African cultural heritage that "is beautifully encapsulated by the exhibition across its 18 pavilions."
The Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Algeria, Patrick Jacobs, expressed his sincere gratitude to Algeria for its "support, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of Africa." He considered the event to be a "moment to reflect on the path taken by our African continent and a moment to celebrate the unity that continues to guide our shared future."
It is worth noting that the exhibition's 18 pavilions vividly showcased the diversity of African culture and heritage. The displays featured distinct products from each country, alongside a collection of paintings and photographs capturing historical meetings between various African leaders.
The Algerian pavilion featured a showcase of numerous elements of national identity, ranging from traditional clothing such as the Caftan and the Burnous, to pottery, traditional musical instruments, and geometric art like Zellij.
