Africans from Lyon and friends of Africa have created a Group of Associations called « Africa 50 » whose objective is to: « co-ordinate various African Cultural Associations and friends of Africa from the Rhone Alps region, for the celebration of the independence of African Countries ».

People of African descent who have settled in Greater Lyon, for more than three generations represent a population of 40 0000 people.

50 years ago 20 countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, The Central African Republic, Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Chad and Togo) achieved their independence after having been English, Belgian or French colonies

Today, the member associations of the “Africa 50” Group of associations, would like to invite the inhabitants of Lyon and Greater Lyon to discover and share this part of history, that they have in common.

The running theme chosen for all events is:

“Africa, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”.

 The main points of the programme are:

The Scientific part (history, economics and politics) which will consist of a series of conferences conducted by highly qualified renowned contributors within this field.

The commemorative part which will take place in Lyon’s 9^th quarter and in the Chassalay Tata Senegalese cemetery as homage to the Senegalese Tirailleur’s 25th Regiment, shot during the 19^th June ascent.

The Art and culture part addressing amateur public discovery.

The festive and musical part will be in the form of a grand evening concert for the public at large.