A conference was held last Saturday in Paris, in the 17th arrondissement, at the initiative of Mrs. Crescence MBALA SOPIE, also known as Kristhia Lauve. The central theme of this event was African values, exploring the notion of women as "architects of the present". This theme had already been addressed during a previous exchange in Lausanne, but this time the objective was to reflect on the transmission of these values by Cameroonians in the diaspora, both within their families and throughout the diasporic communities.
The debate, which lasted nearly two hours after Mrs. Sopie's speech, highlighted an intense intellectual confrontation. On one side were those who, having lived in Europe for a long time, brought a critical perspective shaped by the Western experience. On the other side were those who remained deeply rooted in African realities and defended the continuity of these values. Brilliant jurists participated, offering incisive analyses that stimulated everyone's thinking.
Despite sometimes irreconcilable positions, the exchanges remained courteous and respectful. Kristhia Lauve was praised for her role as a unifier and for her vision of the common good, where intelligence is combined with integrity and courage. Her commitment is seen as anchored in universal principles such as identity, solidarity, dignity, sharing and independence, distinguishing her as a figure acting to build and not to shine.
Kristhia Lauve embodies a continuity between memory and becoming, positioning herself as both heiress and builder, aware that liberation also takes place in people's minds. Her approach is part of a silent reconquest of an Africa conceived as free, sovereign and united, relying on education, culture and solidarity as instruments of emancipation. From this perspective, African women are seen as actors in history.
Several personalities contributed to the richness of the evening. Maître Zeifman, a lawyer at the Paris bar, emphasized the importance of respecting human dignity. Mimi la Joie valued this gathering space for the preservation of identity. Journalist Prisca Bardot stressed the role of the media in disseminating these values. Suzanne, from Spain, ensured balanced moderation. Hortense Fankem, from Canada, provided a perspective on the diasporic dynamic in the liberation of women.
Corinne Tonye, advisor to the president, recalled the importance of human solidarity through her commitment to bone marrow donation. Jeanne Ntep underlined the symbolic significance of this gathering. Macange Ngaska Raphoz shared a poignant testimony on resilience and memory through her autobiographical work. Writer Calvin Djouari redefined African values as ancient virtues that modernism has sometimes altered, stressing that culture is a living set of transmissions.
The conference went beyond the simple framework of a debate, teaching that disagreement is an invitation to understand differently. Listening to the other, even in the event of contradiction, is a form of wisdom. The goal is not to erase differences, but to elevate them, distinguishing the error from the one who carries it. Kristhia Lauve was thanked for bringing together these voices and hopes, sowing seeds called to grow and illuminate other paths. The event highlighted the strength and resilience of African women, providing a platform to share their stories and inspire future generations.
