Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse - Adjim Danngar

Summary

In this interview, a cartoonist and comic author shares their experiences of working in Chad, where their political cartoons on sensitive topics led to threats and violence. After being physically attacked and arrested, they fled to France, seeking freedom to draw and live with dignity. They discuss their current work in France, including projects with France Terre d'Asile and the association 'Dessiner pour l'Afrique.' Despite their new life, they hope to return to Chad someday if they can work freely and without fear of persecution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker emphasizes their special thoughts for French journalists Stéphane Taponier and Hervé Ghesquière, who were held hostage by the Taliban since December 29 of the previous year.
• 😀 The speaker, Jim Danga, is a cartoonist and graphic novel author who discusses their experience working on sensitive subjects such as human rights and war in Darfur.
• 😀 Danga shares their experience of being physically attacked and threatened after creating artwork on controversial topics, including human rights violations in Chad.
• 😀 Danga recounts an incident in 2004, where they were arrested and beaten by paramilitaries before fleeing Chad for France.
• 😀 The speaker discusses how the situation in Chad became unbearable, with their artistic freedom being suppressed and their safety at risk due to their work as a cartoonist.
• 😀 After fleeing to France, Danga describes finding more dignity in their profession and now works part-time while pursuing various artistic projects focused on African comics.
• 😀 The speaker is involved in an organization called 'Africa Draw,' which promotes African comics and includes projects such as exhibitions and collective works, like the project 'A Day in the Life of an African.'
• 😀 Danga's current work with France Terre d'Asile involves creating illustrations for their bi-monthly newsletter, focusing on refugee integration and providing a platform for political commentary.
• 😀 Danga is also involved in creating content for the 'Idée d'Exil' website, a platform run by the Maison des Journalistes, where they publish illustrations related to current events.
• 😀 Despite being exiled, Danga expresses a desire to return to Chad one day, hoping to regain the freedom to work and draw without fear of oppression, though they acknowledge the political situation makes it unlikely in the near future.

Q & A

Why did the interviewee have to leave Chad?

The interviewee was forced to leave Chad due to threats and physical aggression after working on sensitive subjects, such as the Darfur conflict and controversial issues like the e-commerce of human trafficking.

What was the specific event that led to the interviewee's departure from Chad?

The interviewee was arrested and beaten by paramilitaries on November 23, 2004, just before they were supposed to leave for France. This assault was the tipping point, leading them to decide to leave for their own safety and dignity.

What were the risks the interviewee faced while working as a cartoonist in Chad?

The risks included threats, physical violence, and harassment for drawing cartoons that addressed political and social issues, such as the Darfur war and human rights violations.

How does the interviewee feel about their profession after fleeing Chad?

The interviewee expressed that they found more dignity in their work as a cartoonist outside of Chad, especially after facing aggression and pressure in their home country.

What is the interviewee currently working on in France?

The interviewee is currently working part-time (20 hours per week) and focusing on projects related to African comics. They are involved with an association that promotes African comic art and have ongoing projects like exhibitions and collaborative works.

What is the role of the association the interviewee is part of?

The association, based in Saint-Ouen, promotes African comic art, providing a platform for African comic book creators and illustrators. It organizes exhibitions and collective projects to support and highlight African comics.

Can you describe a specific project the interviewee is involved with?

One of the projects the interviewee is involved in is titled 'A Day in the Life of Africans in Africa.' It is an anthology that presents a day in the life of an African person, highlighting daily experiences and issues on the continent.

Has the interviewee found a professional outlet in France similar to their work in Chad?

Yes, in France, the interviewee works with 'France Terre d'Asile' on a bimonthly publication. They also contribute regularly to the 'Idée d'Exil' website, which is run by the Maison des Journalistes, focusing on current events and issues related to refugees and migration.

Does the interviewee plan to return to Chad?

The interviewee hopes to return to Chad one day, but only if they can work freely and without fear of repression. They would like to be able to draw and report on current events without facing threats or violence.

What is the 'Idée d'Exil' website that the interviewee works with?

'Idée d'Exil' is a website created by the Maison des Journalistes, where the interviewee works on current events, focusing on issues related to exile, refugees, and migration, contributing drawings and commentary on these topics.