MINUSMA is working to create a framework that promotes social cohesion and enhances the collections at the Sahel Museum in Gao.

On September 23, 2020, the Head of the MINUSMA Regional Office in Gao, Mohamed El-Amine Souef, joined the official launch of a quick impact project focusing on how culture can contribute to social cohesion efforts at the Sahel Museum. This project, led by the Cultural Association “Alanga,” will run for six months. Funded with 24.2 million CFA francs (specifically 24,191,000 CFA francs) from MINUSMA’s Civil Affairs Division, it’s aimed at reviving local initiatives that foster peace and social harmony. During the launch, Mr. Souef emphasized its importance to the participants, which included the Regional Director of the Sahel Museum, the Vice-President of the “Alanga” Cultural Association, the President of the Interim Authority, and the Regional Director of Youth and Sports.

Alongside the core project, MINUSMA will also support various activities such as restoring works of art, acquiring valuable objects from artists and the community, and setting up an audiovisual center at the Sahel Museum.

This initiative aligns directly with the regional stabilization plan, as it seeks to bring the Sahel Museum back to its original role as a cultural hub, providing communities with a space for cultural exchanges.

“Alanga” is a youth-driven cultural association aimed at promoting non-violence, peace, and celebrating the Songhoy/Songhai culture while protecting the tourist and archaeological sites in the Gao Region.

From an administrative perspective, the Sahel Museum of Gao is under the Ministry of Culture’s supervision. However, since certain services have been devolved to local communities, it now reports to the Regional Council of Gao as part of the interim authority.

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