I think cinema is needed throughout Africa, because we are lagging behind in the knowledge of our own history. I think we need to create a culture that is our own. I think that images are very fascinating and very important to that end. But right now, cinema is only in the hands of film-makers because most of our leaders are afraid of cinema.

Nobody can deny that we have a lot of wars going on; brothers killing brothers; we have a lot of diseases and catastrophes. But on the other hand, we have a majority of individuals, both men and women, who are struggling on a daily basis in a heroic way and the outcome of whose struggle leaves no doubt. This is a struggle whose purpose is not to seize power, and I think the strength of our entire society rests on that struggle.

However long it stays in the river the tree-trunk will never turn into a crocodile.

The development of Africa will not happen without the effective participation of women. Our forefathers' image of women must be buried once for all.

It isn't those who are taken by force, put in chains, and sold as slaves who are the real slaves; it is those who will accept it, morally and physically.

Actually, even our virility depends on the gaze and the control of women. Without women, we cannot do anything. I think it's a good thing.

The only way for us to come out of poverty is to work hard. Poverty means begging throughout the world.