Unveiling Literary Brilliance: A Recap of the International Colloquium on Henri Djombo's Works at Université Marien Ngouabi in Congo Brazzaville.

The recent International Colloquium at Université Marien NGouabi in Congo Brazzaville sparked an enthusiastic exploration into the captivating world of literature, with the spotlight shining brightly on the works of Henri Djombo. From May 28 to May 30, 2024, scholars, researchers, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe converged to delve into the intricate layers of Djombo’s literary oeuvre under the theme: “L’oeuvre de Henri Djombo et les enjeux des sociétés contemporaines” (The Works of Henri Djombo and the Challenges of Contemporary Societies). Professor Mukenge, an esteemed participant and the Head of the Department of French and Francophone Studies, brought his scholarly prowess to the forefront with a compelling presentation titled “Les deux faces de Henri Djombo: l’homme, l’écrivain et son potentiel littéraire” (The Two Faces of Henri Djombo: The Man, the Writer, and his Literary Potential).

Prof Mukenge’s presentation unraveled the complexities of Djombo’s works, from “Sur la braise” to “Lumières des temps perdus,” delving deep into the essence of Djombo’s creativity and his engagement with the socio-political landscape of Congo Brazzaville. Prof Mukenge’s presentation also highlighted the absence of any parallels between Henri Djombo’s persona and the central figures in his narratives, leading to the rejection of any potential autobiographical connections.

The colloquium brought together a diverse crowd, including respected scholars and enthusiastic students, filling the Jean Baptiste Taty Loutard amphitheatre with an atmosphere charged with intellectual excitement. Memorable interactions abounded as Prof Mukenge
seized the opportunity to network with professionals from Congo Brazzaville, Romania, Cameroon, Gabon, and beyond, fostering fruitful discussions and forging lasting connections. A pivotal moment of the conference was the convergence of researchers from both the global north and south, culminating in the collective endeavour to produce scholarly articles and thoughts for publication.

This collaborative effort promises to enrich the literary discourse surrounding Djombo’s works and pave the way for future endeavours in the field of Francophone Literature. Prof Mukenge’s profound influence on literature shone through, as his careful examination of Djombo’s works unveiled new dimensions within the literary landscape, establishing Djombo as a peer to distinguished African authors like Mongo Beti and Alain Mabanckou. The colloquium’s key takeaways resonated with the promise of Djombo’s works being enshrined as classics, destined to be studied and celebrated in schools across Congo Brazzaville. As the curtains closed on the International Colloquium, Professor Arthur Mukenge and his fellow attendees departed with a renewed sense of appreciation for the transformative power of literature and the enduring legacy of Henri Djombo’s literary brilliance.

By Urielle Kayumba

                                                                        

                   Prof Mukenge at Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza / monument (the founder of Brazzaville)

 

                                   

                                    Prof Mukenge at University of Marien Ngouabi / Brazzaville