Archives preservation is an imperative

The ninth edition of the International Archives Day was celebrated in Cameroon on June 25, 2015.

Cameroon, for the third time, joined the international community to celebrate the ninth edition of the International Archives Day yesterday June 25, 2015 on the theme “Building a relationship with archives: Making archives user-friendly”.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, said government plays an important role in protection of archives. She said there are on-going projects aimed at the preserving archives such as the National Archives Centre and that government encourages any initiative for the conservation and preservation of archives.

She called on Cameroonians to be friends with archives. “The main challenge we have is to recognise the importance of archives. We want to make people realise that what they have in their records may be important,” she said.

The event which took place at the esplanade of the National Archives in Yaounde, featured an exhibition of images and collections from all services.

The public had an opportunity to see pictures of the history of Cameroon, the national football team from the 1950s till date and other important documentaries, among others. The day ended with a round table conference on the theme of the day. The event that continues today ends tomorrow Saturday with an open door of the National Archives in Yaounde.

Instituted in 2007 during the General Assembly of the International Council of Archives, the day provides a forum whereby professionals, decision-makers and all actors can share their knowledge and experiences in the protection and conservation of archives.

For the 2015 edition; the third in Cameroon and the ninth in the world, the Ministry of Arts and Culture intends to draw attention on the conditions of management of archives in certain public structures, vulgarise the tools of management existing with the goal of harmonising the practices of treatment of archives, sensitise the public on the importance of archives, fundamental in its rights and identity, among others.