This is my first time participating in the annual meeting of the Tuareg Diaspora in Europe.
“The sound of a pen on a piece of paper can awaken an entire nation.”
As soon as I arrived, I began observing everything, searching for beauty. My first observation was this: the stress of life in Europe couldn’t hold it for a second to the human, social, and cultural values of our strong identity. Individually and collectively, people suddenly disconnect from European life to immerse themselves in the fascinating beauty of our distant culture. Between the reunion of those who know each other and the respect reserved for those of grand standing, between the warm welcome and the representation of identity through cultural objects, conviviality is born and nourished by joy, clothed in respect.
The turban, as an element of trust, has veiled our words so as not to reveal our pain, our emotions; it hides them. Only the dance (the wise joy) of our eyes transcends it. We sat around the fire, sharing tea and stories, in a captivating musical atmosphere. The hypnotic rhythms of traditional instruments transported us to a world of joy and freedom. The women and men sang and danced passionately and gracefully, their movements fluid and elegant, their voices powerful and moving. The ululations and poetic lyrics filled the air, joyfully moving us.
Between the exchange of glances and sincere smiles, between active listening and veiled words, joy and happiness are created collectively, and the modesty and great wisdom of our elders have made them flourish. Tifinagh is the soul of a being and a territory, the veiled language from which, in the dust of words, dreams are born. It is a well from which water must be drawn wisely and cleanly. With respect, everything is beautiful, as everything speaks: magnificent aunts, beautiful women, poetic words.
Finally, the meeting lived up to our expectations thanks to everyone’s commitment. I cannot conclude without expressing a special thank you to the non-Tuaregs who came to share our joy with us. And to France, which allowed us to gather in peace, where sometimes we cannot do so in a part of our territory (Azawad), and I pay tribute to the civilians arbitrarily arrested and/or unjustly killed. I also thank Odet and the organizing team who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this meeting.
Tohima AG LIBNINA
21-08-25
Here is a link to a video on YouTube – Table ronde – Sécurité, paix et développement au Sahel.
Organisation de la Diaspora Touarègue en Europe Odte-Tanat
Here is a Gallery of pictures from the meeting.
Azawad Support Group
21-08-25