PRESS RELEASE

SPECIAL EDITION :

Peace in Côte d’Ivoire, MASA 2007 for 5 Cities. July 28 – August 12, 2007

During an extraordinary Board of Directors meeting of the Market for African Performing Arts (MASA), held in Paris on June 6, 2006, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman noted with satisfaction the gradual improvement of the sociopolitical climate in Côte d’Ivoire.

Taking into account that new positive order and in a bid to support the settlement of the crisis, the two authorities agreed that MASA would be held in Abidjan in February 2007.

However, the physical conditions could not be met for the organization of that event at the period appointed and a new date was chosen to hold, in the course of this year, a Special Edition of MASA 2007.

In addition to the entertainment and market aspects, this special program is also designed as the contribution of MASA to the restoration of peace and the consolidation of democracy in Côte d’Ivoire, at the cultural level.

This special edition will be held in Abidjan and, exceptionally, in four other cities in Côte d’Ivoire, namely Bouaké, Korhogo and Man, in rebel controlled area, and in Daloa, a city located on the border of the “Confidence Zone.”

That edition has two components:

1. An international scientific component for defining, thinking over and training on the theme “Democracy and Democratic Culture: Crisis Settlement and Peace in Africa,” along with the organization of a round table, from July 19 to 26, 2007.
2. An artistic aspect with the organization of a special edition “Peace in Côte d’Ivoire, MASA 2007 for Five Cities.”
   In this regard, musical, theatrical and dancing shows, performed by artists from Côte d’Ivoire and other African countries, will be organized in Abidjan, on four simultaneous stages. These shows will then be performed concomitantly in Bouaké, Korhogo, Man and Daloa.

The artistic component will be organized in accordance with the following schedule :

• From July 27 to August 5, 2007 : Abidjan
  • Palais de la Culture, in Treichville
  • Stade Champroux, in Marcory
  • Complexe sportif in Yopougon
  • Palais des Sports in Treichville
• From August 9 to 12, 2007 : the other cities
  • Bouaké
  • Daloa
  • Korhogo
  • Man

Côte d’Ivoire will welcome you with open arms.
Make an appointment with the MASA of Peace right now.

The registrations of the professionals and international presenters and journalists must reach the General Management no later than the end of June 2007.

MASA
Direction Générale
09 BP 2877 Abidjan 09
Côte d’Ivoire

Phone : (00 225) 20 21 35 20 / 20 21 69 10
Fax : (00 225) 20 21 95 19
Email : MASA@lemasa.org
Site web : http://masa.francophonie.org

Done in Abidjan, February 28, 2007.

The Management