African academics grouped within the ‘OR Tambo African Research Chairs Initiative’ (ORTARChI) are reflecting, this Monday in Ouagadougou, on a true sovereignty of Africa in the field of research by drawing inspiration from the former Burkinabe president Thomas Sankara and the South African anti-apartheid activist Oliver Tambo.
‘Today, we pay tribute to Thomas Sankara and Oliver Tambo, to draw inspiration from what they have accomplished to continue the fight for African sovereignty, particularly in the field of research,’ said the coordinator of the Chair for Research and Action Against Cancer (ReAAC), Pr Olga Mélanie Lompo.
According to her, in accordance with the vision of the two Pan-Africanist leaders, Africa’s problems must be resolved at the African level. And to find purely African solutions, “we must be free and sovereign in research,” added the professor.
The ReAAC coordinator, also a lecturer and researcher at Joseph Ki Zerbo University in Ouagadougou, spoke on Monday, October 28, 2024, during t
he opening of the second annual meeting of the OR Tambo African Research Chairs Initiative.
According to her, this meeting, of which Burkina Faso has the honor of hosting the second session, is an opportunity to share experiences in order to find solutions to the problems specific to African society and to ensure better sovereignty of African countries.
During three days of work, academics will reflect on the theme: ‘African sovereignty: A catalyst for research collaborations and social impact on the continent’.
For the Burkinabe Minister in charge of Research, Pr Adjima Thiombiano, this workshop comes at the right time, taking place at a time when Burkina Faso, like other African countries, is committed to the path of “genuine political, economic and cultural sovereignty”.
He also took the opportunity to welcome the choice of Sankara’s country to host the second annual meeting of the Chairs of Africa, a decision which, according to him, proves that Burkina is acceptable.
‘By combining scientific exchang
es and the celebration of the two legendary African leaders, the academic world contributes to perpetuating the legacy of unity, justice and self-determination for the socio-economic transformation and prosperity of Africa, bequeathed by Sankara and Tambo,’ said Minister Thiombiano.
As a reminder, the African Research Chair initiative was created by South Africa in tribute to the former president of the African National Congress (ANC), who fought for 24 years for the liberation of his country, Oliver Tambo.
ORTARChI was subsequently opened to eight African countries, seven of which are English-speaking and one French-speaking, Burkina Faso. The Rainbow Nation hosted the first meeting in 2023.
Source: Burkina Information Agency