Reading Chad: The 6th edition of the International Saharan Cultures Festival (FICSA) in Amdjarass has been underway since February 7 for a week, with Niger as a special guest, in the presence of several African states and others
The 6th edition of the International Saharan Cultures Festival (FICSA) launched February 7, 2026, in Amdjarass, Chad, and will continue for one week. Niger is the guest of honor at this year’s festival, which is drawing participants from across Africa and beyond.
The festival officially began under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Chad, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who was represented by Prime Minister Ambassadeur Allamaye Halina. The event aims to celebrate the richness of Saharan traditions and promote intercultural dialogue, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange in a region facing ongoing challenges.
Niger’s Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts delivered a speech emphasizing cultural cooperation, the preservation of Saharan heritage, and sustainable tourism. She expressed gratitude to the Chadian authorities for the honor bestowed upon Niger as the guest country. The minister also commended the commitment of both the Nigerien and Chadian heads of state, General of Brigade Abdourahamane Tiani and Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, to culture, tourism, and dialogue between peoples.
According to the minister, the Sahara is not merely a desert landscape but a territory rich in memories, knowledge, and living traditions. She highlighted the unique cultural expression and tourism potential found in the region’s music, dance, crafts, and solidarity-based lifestyles.
This year’s FICSA has attracted a diverse range of international participants, including delegations from Morocco, Tunisia, Mali, Burkina Faso, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Mauritania, Algeria, as well as representatives from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The festival is intended as a space for celebrating Saharan identities and fostering dialogue in a world marked by crises and tensions.
The minister also emphasized the crucial role of Saharan women in transmitting cultural values. The festival’s opening ceremony featured music, dance, and a vibrant atmosphere, transforming Amdjarass into a crossroads of cultures and peoples. The event is seen as a significant opportunity to strengthen regional ties and promote peace and development through cultural understanding.
The festival is being held as cultural initiatives gain prominence as tools for regional stability.
More information about the festival can be found online.
