Ambassador Youssouf Abassalah explained that for Chad, culture is not a decorative element of national identity, but a foundation of peace and stability. He emphasized that throughout Chad’s modern history, political arrangements have shifted, governments have changed, and borders have been contested, yet cultural ties have remained the most reliable thread holding communities together. He underlined that in a country with more than 200 ethnic groups and over 100 languages, dialogue, storytelling, music, craftsmanship, and shared traditions have long served as informal institutions of mediation and coexistence.

His Excellency drew on Chad’s recent political transition to illustrate how cultural diplomacy operates in practice. He explained that the Inclusive and Sovereign National Dialogue (DNIS) succeeded not only because of negotiation techniques but because it drew upon deeply rooted cultural mechanisms of reconciliation.

Mr. Abassalah highlighted the Dary Festival as one of Chad’s strongest cultural diplomacy instruments. He described it as an annual platform that brings Chadians from every province together to celebrate arts, cuisine, traditional music, and craftsmanship. Such events play a strategic role by fostering trust, strengthening social cohesion, and generating economic opportunities for artisans, performers, and local businesses. He explained that in a country emerging from transition, the ability of cultural events to create shared experiences is indispensable for nation-building.

He concluded that cultural diplomacy is not secondary to political reforms but an essential component of Chad’s long-term stability and international engagement. He stressed that culture should be recognized as a strategic asset which builds trust and supports reconciliation while anchoring national cohesion.