“I wish to commend this exceptional participation and express my deep gratitude to my Burkinabe counterpart, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, as well as to the government and the brotherly people of Burkina Faso, for the warm welcome extended to the Chadian delegation,” said Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in a social media post.
With nearly 300 participants, this unprecedented mobilisation reflects Chad’s ambition to establish itself as a key player in African cinema. The effort paid off, with Chadian talent earning multiple prestigious awards.
President Déby took the opportunity to “congratulate the winners of this edition,” specifically naming Haikal Zakaria Ben Djibrine, Mawndoe Célestin, Ramada Natitingar, John Mbaiedoum, and Ferdinand Mbaissané.
These accolades, he noted, represent “a source of national pride and a testament to the talent and creativity driving Chadian cinema.”
Traditional dance troupes also stole the spotlight, with Déby praising their “majestic choreography and iconic costumes” that “highlighted the richness of our national cultural heritage, particularly within the Chad Village—a true showcase of our traditions.”
He also paid tribute to “the Chadian diaspora in Burkina Faso, whose involvement and mobilisation greatly contributed to the success of this participation.”
Beyond its artistic achievements, this FESPACO edition “strengthened the historic and cultural ties between Chad and Burkina Faso, further solidifying the deep fraternity between our two nations,” Déby added.
Buoyed by this success, Chad aims to continue its ascent toward “a cinematic industry of excellence, capable of asserting itself on the continental and global stage.”
The authorities stressed that “efforts must now focus on preparing for future editions to position Chad among the leading nations of African cinema.”
CA/ac/sf/lb/as/APA