African writers who has contributed much to the continent by writing on various aspects of its history and culture will attend from May 2 to 4 next month the first ever international conference of its kind to be held here in Addis Ababa.

The theme of the conference will be "From the independence of the continent to the liberation of the mind: the unfinished journey".

Some 70 renowned writers from Africa are expected to attend the conference for sharing the knowledge and experience that they have accumulated over the years with students of eleven universities from all parts of Ethiopia.

It is believed that the writers have exerted much effort to put together the facts in order to let people know what Africa is - its culture, tradition, language, religion, politics, values and much more - through their literary wisdom.

The group of writers includes those who have received Nobel prizes in literature, professors, scholars and writers.

The acclaimed writers and literary academics will present their research work about their perception on the subject matter of the conference’s theme.

The package of the visit includes a three-day conference and visiting natural and historical places. More activities are expected, according to Dr. Mulugeta Seyoum, chairperson of the conference’s organizing committee.

The Ethiopian Writers' Association, the Ethiopian Languages and Culture Academy, the Institute of African Studies of the Addis Ababa University, and the pan-African Writers Association will host the conference at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

The event is being called a unique one by the hosts as the coming season sees the Ethiopian Writers' Association celebrate its 50th anniversary - the 50-year celebration of freedom for most African countries that were under colonialism, and again the 50-year anniversary of foundation of the African Union, according to Dr. Mulugeta.

EthiopianReporter
By Meirafe Berhane