The recent controversy surrounding the suspension of cooperative projects with individuals from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso has ignited a passionate response within the performing arts

community. It also prompted swift reconsideration by the authorities involved.

The uproar surrounding this issue mirrors the broader uncertainties stemming from France's decision to halt all forms of cooperation with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, even encompassing the cultural realm, which stands apart from the region's pressing security concerns.

The ongoing crisis between France and the three Sahelian nations, triggered by a series of coups decried by President Emmanuel Macron as an "epidemic," has spilled over into the artistic domain. In a matter of hours, it stirred up outrage among the performing arts community and led to a dramatic about-face by the authorities.

French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak was quick to clarify the situation, stating, "There has been too much confusion and misunderstanding: There is no question of stopping exchanges with artists or with cultural venues, museums, festivals, theaters in these countries." She emphasized, "We never boycott artists, anywhere."

The controversy began on Thursday morning with the National Union for Artistic and Cultural Enterprises (SYNDEAC) taking the initiative. SYNDEAC decried a letter sent a day earlier by the regional directorates of cultural affairs (DRACs), describing it as having a threatening tone. Photo by boulo, Wikimedia commons.