In a context where cultural and artistic exchange is crucial to promoting diversity and mutual enrichment, a recent directive from the French administration has sparked controversy. This instruction calling for the suspension of all collaboration with artists from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso was strongly criticized by many professionals in the sector.
Faced with these reactions, the French Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, stepped up to clarify the situation. She affirmed that there was no boycott or reprisals against African artists, and highlighted a technical difficulty linked to the absence of an operational visa service in these countries, led by military juntas.
The minister stressed that it was physically impossible to issue visas to allow artists to come to France, due to security problems. However, she clarified that artists who had already obtained visas and who had tours or shows planned could still travel to France.
It is essential to note that this directive is an adaptation to a complex security context, marked by threats specifically targeting French buildings and teams present in these three countries. France has already interrupted certain development aid and budget support actions with Niger and Burkina Faso, and had taken a similar measure towards Mali in November 2022.
It is particularly important to emphasize that France has always been a welcoming country for artists in danger, and that it will continue to be so. This directive therefore does not call into question France’s commitment to welcoming and promoting cultural diversity.
It is essential to remember that boycotting artists is never a solution, and that cultural exchanges are a powerful way to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between people. It is therefore desirable that alternative solutions be considered to maintain these artistic exchanges, while taking into account security imperatives.
In conclusion, it is essential to distinguish between a technical directive linked to security constraints and any boycott or retaliation against African artists. Cultural exchanges must be preserved and encouraged, while respecting security requirements. This is how we can continue to promote artistic diversity and encourage dialogue between cultures.