On November 25, 2019, the opening of the photographic exhibition on the theme: “The train from Abidjan to Ouagadougou: 1898-1958” took place at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Research Foundation (FHB Foundation). This exhibition was organized by the association “Images et Mémoires” in partnership with the FHB Foundation, the History Department of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University and the Institute of African History, Art and Archaeology (IHAAA). It aimed at raising awareness of the active participation of Côte d’Ivoire in the implementation of the railway from 1898 to 1958. Photographs illustrating the vision of the railway, the engineering railway school, the earthworks, the completion and laying of the track marked this exhibition.

In his opening speech, the Secretary General of the FHB Foundation congratulated the two curators of the exhibition, namely Dr. Evelyne Lodugnon Kalou and Dr. Mathias Savadogo. He added that this exhibition was part of the noble mission of the institution he directs, namely to be a place of meetings and exchanges. For him, people need to know their history which is the memory of their identity. He concluded by affirming that the railway has been a factor in bringing together the peoples of Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.

Following him, Dr. Evelyne LODUGNON KALOU took the floor to present this exhibition of 200 photographs grouped in 61 panels. She said that the association “Images et Mémoires” which created this iconographic wealth is a non-governmental organization founded in 1995 and is present in 18 countries around the world. This association promotes ancient images of sub-Saharan Africa and encourages their return to their countries of origin.

After the cutting of the symbolic ribbon by the personalities present, the visit of the exhibition was led by Dr. Evelyne LODUGNON KALOU and Dr. Mathias SAVADOGO.

The exhibition ended on November 30, 2019.