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Prof. Cherno Omar Barry's Leadership: A Turning Point for West African Literature

Update New Horizons for African Literature: PAWA's Elected Council The Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) has ushered in a new chapter in its journey with the election of a fresh Council, aimed at steering literary advancements across Africa for the next three years. This historic gathering, held in Accra, Ghana, on July 18, 2025, was notable not only for the election of the President, Prof. Bill Ndi of Cameroon/Diaspora, but also for the unopposed election of key roles, including that of Prof. Cherno Omar Barry of The Gambia, who will represent West Africa as the new Vice President. Championing African Literature Prof. Barry, a distinguished literary scholar and cultural policy expert, currently serves as the President of the Writers Association of The Gambia (WAG). His election to the PAWA Council is touted as a significant triumph for West Africa’s literary scene, given his dedication to promoting African literature, encouraging multilingual education, and supporting youth literary initiatives. Barry expressed his commitment to harnessing the power of literature as a catalyst for unity and cultural appreciation among African nations. In his post-election remarks, he stated, "This is an opportunity to consolidate the voices of West African writers and affirm the place of literature in shaping our collective future." His insights reflect the broader potential literature holds in bridging gaps in cultural understanding and fostering literacy, innovation, and education across the continent. A Vision for the Future: PAWA's Coordination among Regions The PAWA Council is composed of Vice Presidents from each African sub-region and the diaspora, empowering them to coordinate activities and enhance national writers' associations. This approach aims to cultivate a robust literary network that transcends regional boundaries, encouraging collaboration and exchange of ideas across the continent. With Prof. Bill Ndi's election as President, alongside Barry's new role, there exists a promising opportunity to foster a cooperative spirit among writers across Africa—an initiative that aligns with PAWA's foundational goal of advocacy for the rights of writers, promotion of African languages, and the development of publishing industries. Strategic Goals: Addressing the Digital Landscape In the digital age, initiatives to promote African literature cannot overlook the intersection of technology and literary expression. The rapid advancement of digital platforms presents both challenges and opportunities for writers across the continent. The significance of digital inclusion, for instance, cannot be overstated; it offers avenues for new voices to emerge and be heard, while also addressing the digital divide that persists in many regions. Prof. Barry, alongside the newly elected council, is poised to explore how technology—such as e-learning and digital publishing—can serve as tools for engaging a broader audience and enhancing the reach of African literature. The association's strategic focus could also benefit from integrating tech trends like AI and digital marketing into its initiatives, ensuring that African writers not only adapt but thrive in a global context. Connecting Across Generations: Literacy and Youth Engagement As the world increasingly shifts to digital formats, focusing on youth engagement in literature becomes paramount. By promoting reading and writing skills among young Africans, the council could ignite passion for literature that could transform communities. Barry's previous work underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives designed to cultivate a love for storytelling within local communities. The PAWA’s commitment to fostering an environment where youth can flourish creatively is not just an investment in the future of literature but a crucial step towards shaping leaders who appreciate the cultural narratives and histories that define their identities. Conclusion: A New Era in African Literature The new PAWA Council stands at the helm of a movement that has the potential to reshape the literary landscape of Africa. With leaders like Prof. Barry and Prof. Ndi steering the organization, the vision of literary unity and cultural integrity is on the rise. Writers across Africa are encouraged to take advantage of this momentum by engaging with the council’s initiatives and contributing their voices to the larger narrative. In closing, the artistic expression within the literary community is not merely an exercise in creativity, but a momentous vehicle for change that can uplift societal narratives and promote unity within diversity. Readers and aspiring writers alike are invited to reflect on how they can participate in this transformative journey, enabling their voices to echo across the continents and generations.