The Francophone Week 2013, a week of the French language, last Saturday officially opened at the Alliance Francaise de Banjul along Kairaba Avenue.
The week-long event will feature a film festival, painting exhibition and work on presentation of productions made from ten words of the Francophone Week 2013, among others.
The programme is geared towards promoting the French language.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jean Marc Transon, the charge d’affaires of the French Embassy in Banjul lauded the guests for honouring their invitation to celebrate the Francophone Week 2013.
According to him, La Francophonie is a “state of mind,” noting that he had the pleasure of repeating the event since his arrival in The Gambia.
‘Our programs and cooperative actions would have no raison d’être if we lose this bond that unites us and made this league of mutual assistance and solidarity that is more akin to the generosity of brotherhood’’, said the French charge de’ affaires.
He stated that the Franco-African operation in Mali is the most striking current example, noting that they have responded to the urgent request of help from one of its members in its struggle to restore its territorial integrity and its fight against terrorism.
“The original link and this collusion that we are not just talking the same language is French, but we speak the same language, sharing the values and principles of democracy and human rights, cultural diversity and linguistic others,” he added.
He used the opportunity to pay tribute to one Stéphane Hessel, who passed away recently describing him a free man, freedom of choice, free of commitments, among others.
He reminded the gathering that The Gambia has a foot in the Francophonie, notingthe University of The Gambia is a member of the ‘Agence Universitaire de la francophonie.
He further revealed that the National Assembly last year filed its application for accession to the Francophone Parliamentary Assembly.
He told the gathering that the week-long event is an opportunity to fully celebrate the French language.
Present at the event was Dr Momodou Tangara, minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.