The cultural world of the Ziguinchor region met on Saturday 18 May 2002 in Cachouane, at the mouth of the River Casamance, in the department of Oussouye, to merge culture and peace, at the initiative of the French NGO, "The Home of children", which has for the past two years settled in this village of Lower Casamance, to promote the culture of peace through art and creativity.

Musical artists of Ziguinchor, other participants from Casamance as well as many guests from other regions of Senegal, shared the same aspiration for peace at this " Cachouane meeting for a culture of peace and non-violence " which was focussed on the theme " art, culture of peace."

To express their attachment to peace, each participant at the meeting agreed to sign the UNESCO Manifesto for a culture of peace to vouch for their commitment in favour of the dialogue of mutual understanding and tolerance. A concert for peace with Mandingo and Jola traditional rythms and music was organised to enable participants to share with them, the universal vibrations of art and music, regardless of their differences.

During the event, a new class was inaugurated at the Cachouane school. Its walls were decorated by the Boussana workshop with illustrations symbolising the six points of the UNESCO Manifesto for a culture of peace and non-violence.

The meeting , considered as an act of peace, served as an opportunity to mobilise the inhabitants of Cachouane to work for the advent of peace, unity and the respect of the other through interdependence, the sharing of the message of peace through music and dancing.

A delegation from the UNESCO office in Dakar which expressed the Organisation's support to this peace initiative, took part in the event. The head of cabinet of the Senegalese armed forces minister, a representative of the ministry of culture, representatives of other international organisations, a representative of the Senegalese Church as well as local administrative authorities were also in attendance.

Mr. Laurent Blanchard, co-ordonnator of the Kassoumaye association of Cachouanne, and member of the ONG "The Home of children" expressed the hope that this initiative will be perpetuated so that peace will prevail in Casamance.