Sale – The Grands Prix awards of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) were presented Thursday in Sale to the winners of the 2024 edition, during the FAAPA’s 8th General Assembly.
The awards were presented to the winners in the categories of best article, best video report, and best photo, during a ceremony presided over by FAAPA Chairman and Director General of the Maghreb Arab News Agency (MAP), Fouad Arif.
The Grand Prix for best article went to Mohammed Al-Amine Ikhibi, a journalist at MAP, while that for best video report went to Kamongnin Sylla, a reporter-photographer at the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP), and that for best photo was presented to Abdou Khadre Dieylani Seydi, a reporter-photographer at the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
On this occasion, Arif congratulated the winners for the quality of their works, which not only illustrate the relevance of the subjects they tackled but also the creativity and professionalism of their authors, as well as the sacrifices made and the risks taken to bring their stories to life.
Ikhibi, recnognized for his article chronicling the inspiring journey of a livestock farmer who, a year after the Al Haouz earthquake, managed to rebuild his herd, expressed his profound emotion upon receiving this prestigious award.
He extended his heartfelt thanks to all the officials and colleagues at the MAP editorial office for their guidance and support. “This award encourages journalists from African press agencies to strive for excellence in their work.”
For his part, Sylla, recognized for his video report on premature babies, noted that this continental recognition is a true source of motivation, encouraging him to continue covering topics that matter to the people of Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire.
Seydi, honored for a photo on the issue of rising sea levels in a suburb of Dakar, rejoiced at receiving this award in Morocco, a country very close to his heart and one that tirelessly works to advocate for climate issues in Africa.
The 8th General Assembly of FAAPA, held under the theme “African Press Agencies as a Vehicle for Promoting the Continent’s Health Sovereignty,” brought together the heads of several African press agencies, alongside media and health experts, as well as prominent figures from various fields. The highlight of the event was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Federation’s founding, a space for reflection on the future of African press agencies and the role they should play in the 21st century, with their respective diversities and specificities.
