Love and Sex in West Africa

Description:

Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal... When it comes to love and sexuality, these West African countries are torn between two extremes. With its great moral freedom, women's emancipation, taboos, and persecution, Ivory Coast is a land of contrasts. Until now, men were the masterminds of the seduction game. Now it's the turn of young Ivorian women to pursue conquests. This is called "mougoupan," meaning consuming without attachment, then disappearing. This is the specialty of Madoca, a young Ivorian woman, who wants to assert her independence. A revolution in a country where 13-year-old girls are still taught submission to their future husbands. Enquête Exclusive also met with activists fighting against forced marriages in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The magazine's teams traveled to the region most affected by this phenomenon. It's not uncommon to encounter 12-year-old girls who are already married and pregnant. In Senegal, it's difficult to get married if you don't belong to the same caste. Many parents refuse to allow their children to mix social classes and bloodlines. Their obsession: ensuring racial and ethnic purity by respecting an ancient ancestral legacy. Some speak out against this racial discrimination, such as the members of the Layennes brotherhood, near Dakar, the capital, who encourage those who love each other to marry regardless of their caste affiliation. In Côte d'Ivoire, people are increasingly getting married in a Western style, like James and Cynthia, in white, with bridesmaids and groomsmen. But this doesn't prevent the tradition of dowry, which can take the form of a sum of money, or in some villages, a goat and a barrel of beer. In the country, polygamy is officially prohibited by law, while it is permitted in Senegal (up to four wives according to the Civil Code), but it remains widely practiced. A headache for Alexis, in love with his two wives. He must juggle daily tasks to avoid arousing too much jealousy. It's also an economic necessity for him, providing essential help with field work and household chores. Directed by Charles Comiti and Julien Boluen March 20, 2022