The Festival sur le Niger in Segou, Mali, celebrated its artistic heritage amid a shifting political landscape. This annual event, held along the banks of the Niger River, is a cultural beacon in the region.
However, the 2025 edition bore the marks of a turbulent period. With Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger recently leaving ECOWAS, the festival was colored by the ongoing political upheavals.
The once-thriving festival, showcasing music, art, and theatre, now unfolds against a backdrop of regional instability. This year, it became a stage for reflecting on the Sahel’s pressing crises, including the violence ravaging the area.
Malian authorities, led by General Assimi Goita, continue their grip on power after military coups in 2020 and 2021. Despite this, the festival remains a symbol of resilience, celebrating the vibrant culture of the country.
Vincent Koala, a cultural consultant from Burkina Faso, spoke of the festival as a platform for “forward-looking thinking” amidst ongoing turmoil. With Mali less than 100 km from active insurgent zones, the festival’s significance as a cultural bridge is even more profound.
The new alliance formed between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso was prominently featured throughout the event. This year’s edition was dubbed the “Week of AES Fraternity,” honoring the three countries’ leaders, whose portraits adorned the festival grounds.
Despite the festival’s festive atmosphere, Mali’s cultural scene faces growing threats. The country’s troubled history of insurgencies, economic challenges, and anti-French sentiments have taken a toll on its artistic identity.