Congolese writer Armel Saint-Silvère Dongou honoured in Dakar
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Congo-B
Congolese writer Armel Saint-Silvère Dongou received a “Diploma of Recognition” at the opening of the 34th International Day of the African Writer in Dakar. Patron of the edition held from 7 to 11 November, he was honoured for his literary career and contribution to Congolese literature, according to Congo-B.
Armel Saint-Silvère Dongou, Congolese writer and patron of the 34th International Day of the African Writer, received a “Diploma of Recognition” at the opening ceremony in Dakar. The event, organised from 7 to 11 November by the Association of Senegalese Writers (AES), has the Republic of Congo as its guest of honour.
The theme of the 34th edition, “Writing for a quest for humanity”, places the gathering under the sign of literary exchanges between Senegal and Congo-Brazzaville. Armel Saint-Silvère Dongou, winner of the Jean-Malonga Prize awarded by the Literary Season of the Republic of Congo, was represented in Dakar by Joshine Sara Bafounguissa, according to the organisers.
The inaugural ceremony was held at the Fleur de Lys hotel in Dakar under the high patronage of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and chaired by Senegalese Culture Minister Mame Coumba Diop. Congo’s ambassador to Senegal, Jean-Luc Saint Vito Aka-Evy, took part with a delegation from Brazzaville.
The president of the AES, Abdoulaye Fodé Ndione, recalled that the International Day of the African Writer was created in 1992 at the initiative of the Pan-African Writers’ Association (Pawa). He described literature as an instrument of truth and stressed the writer’s place in society.
