The Festival sur le Niger, an annual celebration of Malian music, art, theater, and dance, took place in Segou against a backdrop of significant political changes in West Africa. Held along the banks of the Niger River, the event attracted tens of thousands of attendees from Mali and beyond, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a cultural hub despite ongoing challenges.
This year’s festival unfolded amid Mali’s recent departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Burkina Faso and Niger. The three nations, now united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), continue to grapple with jihadist insurgencies and long-standing Tuareg-led rebellions in the north. Against this backdrop, the festival was officially themed the “Week of AES Fraternity,” emphasizing regional solidarity and cultural resilience.
Renowned Malian duo Amadou and Mariam headlined the festival, captivating audiences with their music. Cultural consultant Vincent Koala from Burkina Faso highlighted the festival’s role as a forum for unity and dialogue in a region facing crises. While Segou is less than 100 km from areas where jihadist groups operate, the event remained a testament to the enduring power of culture in bringing people together.
Throughout the festival grounds, portraits of the three junta leaders were displayed, blending political messaging with artistic expression. Newly appointed Culture Minister Mamou Daffe, who founded the festival in 2005, underscored Mali’s rich cultural legacy, calling it “more important than gold and oil.” The country has long been a major force in global culture, hosting internationally recognized festivals and artistic events.
However, Mali’s cultural scene faces mounting challenges. The Festival in the Desert, once a major attraction near Timbuktu, has been on hold since 2012 due to security concerns. The Rencontres de Bamako photography biennale, a staple of Mali’s arts calendar, went ahead with reduced funding following France’s withdrawal as a sponsor amid rising anti-French sentiment. The Malian government has since aligned itself with Russian mercenary forces, and a boat flying Malian and Russian flags was seen on the Niger River during the festival.
Despite political and economic uncertainty, the festival demonstrated Mali’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage. With 2025 designated as the “Year of Malian Culture,” authorities see arts and culture as a means to foster connections both within the country and internationally. As Daffe noted, events like the Festival sur le Niger serve as powerful symbols of Mali’s openness to the world.
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