Ordino Launches Senegal-Focused Cultural Cycle Marking 20 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Ordino launched the ninth edition of its 'Geografies, ments obertes' cultural cycle on Monday, dedicated this year to Senegal and running through 9 May. Organised by Ordino parish council and the Andorran government, the event at L’Era del Raser aims to present the country beyond tourist clichés, marking the first time it has focused on a nation from sub-Saharan Africa.

Ordino's first consul major, Maria del Mar Coma, said the annual series seeks to explore one country in depth each year, highlighting its cultural essence to encourage greater understanding. Co-coordinator Albert Pedrol added that the choice coincides with 20 years of diplomatic ties between Andorra and Senegal, while aiming to offer a modern perspective free of stereotypes. "We have worked to move away from obvious folklore and show a current Senegal distant from typical imagery about Africa," he noted.

The opening featured Senegal's State Secretary for Senegalese Abroad, Amadou Chérif Diouf, on his first visit to Andorra. He met Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues, celebrate the diplomatic anniversary, and identify cooperation opportunities. Both nations share values such as peace and global solidarity, Diouf said, though more remains to be done. Potential areas include education, sport, culture, and the digital sector.

Diouf praised Andorra's sports facilities as suitable for training camps for young Senegalese athletes, noting his country's youth potential. These initiatives are at an early stage, with diplomatic representations—including Senegal's consulate and embassy in Paris—set to oversee progress. He described Andorra as welcoming and expressed optimism about future ties after meeting about 50 local Senegalese residents, who reported living in good conditions.

The programme began with a talk by Abdou Mawa Ndiaye Ndaw titled 'El Senegal, una explicació africana'. Upcoming events cover the Négritude movement—featuring figures like Léopold Sédar Senghor—the role of Senegalese women at home and abroad, Dakar's contemporary music scene, national cinema, and a screening of a 1970s historical film on social and political awakening in Senegal and West Africa.

Diouf's stay includes meetings with the University of Andorra rector, a visit to a local school to observe its multilingual education model, and time at Ordino's Sports Training Centre. Andorra has long supported sustainable development in Senegal, especially in Lower Casamance with health, education, and water access projects; the country is a priority in the government's cooperation plan.