The traditional Evala struggles have resumed in the Kozah prefecture in their classic format, after two years of suspension due to the health crisis linked to the coronavirus. The tone of this 2022 edition was officially set on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in Lao in the canton of Pya by the Head of State, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. On the ground of the EPP Kagnalada, were in contention the coalitions of Lao high against Lao low. These struggles continued yesterday in the canton of Tchitchao, where they were already at the semi-final stage. This special 2022 edition carries with it a major challenge, that of the health challenge for which all arrangements are made with a view to zero contamination during these festive moments.
The President of the Republic on) his arrival on the scene
The Evala fever, initiatory struggles of the Kabyè people, has once again taken hold of the Kozah prefecture in particular, the Kara region and all of Togo in general, since last Saturday, where the 2022 edition was officially launched on the grounds of the EPP Kagnalada in Pya by the President of the Republic, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. In the joy, joy and satisfaction of reconnecting with its tradition in all its fullness, no one intended to make the event count. Everyone dusted off their dance instruments and adornment to invade, so soon, the places where the strict control systems and compliance with the instructions against Covid-19 were already deployed. Indeed, the government, on the proposal of the National Coordination for the Management of the Response to COVID-19, has issued instructions to be followed throughout the national territory as part of traditional festivals and rites. These include, among other things, the presentation of proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and strict compliance with barrier measures, in particular the washing or systematic disinfection of hands, the wearing of bibs.
the Head of State Faure Gnassingbé, a fine connoisseur of the thing
The Evala de Lao bas took the upper hand by 14 wins against 6
The Head of State, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who makes the revaluation of habits and customs his hobbyhorse, for social and economic development, arrived at the site of the event shortly before 11 a.m., welcomed by the leaders and executives from the community and members of the government. Once installed, he was greeted by the supervisors and ambianceurs of the two competing camps, giving rise to the start of the fights. In the arena, high Lao wrestlers in white competed against low Lao wrestlers in green. At the end of the suspense, sometimes made of the reversal of unexpected situations and galvanized by supporters who competed with tricks and grimaces of intimidation, the Evala de Lao bas took the upper hand by 14 victories against 6. On the cadet side, the same coalition maintained its supremacy, dominating by 8 victories against 6.
This beginning of the Evala was a life-size test of the authorized resumption of cultural festivities and was greeted at its fair value both through songs and by banners erected here and there for the occasion. ” The Evala de Pya support the President of the Republic for his policy of openness and dialogue », « Thank you President Faure for your active policy of peace, good neighborliness and regional integration », « With President Faure, our cultures and traditions will always be preserved “, could we read there.
Warm handshake between adversaries for a moment, a sign of fair play that prevails
Semi-finals yesterday in Tchitchao
For the second day yesterday, the struggles continued all over the townships. The Head of State, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé attended those of Tchitchao which were already at the semi-final stage. On the ground of Kazangabiyo, the first semi-final pitted the wrestlers of Fatou in red against those of Bou in white. Very quickly, the Fatou camp, which had promised to ” demolish the mountain “reaps, one after the other, the first victories. But, it is without counting on the determination of Bou who intended to demonstrate to the adversary that he did not have enough means for his intentions. In a burst of pride, Bou logically beat Fatou on the Evala side by 21 points against 19, before still dictating his law at the Ahoza level by 19 victories against 8.
The second semi-final pitted the Kigbèling camp against the Hazé-Lohou coalition on the field of the EPP Centrale de Tchitchao (adjoining field), still in the presence of the President of the Republic who had at his side the President of the National Assembly, Yawa Djigbodi Tsègan, members of the government and other political, administrative, military and traditional authorities. There, the Hazé-Lohou coalition proved to be stronger by winning at the Evala by 19 victories against 11, just like on the cadet side 11 victories against 5.
The struggles continue today, with the final still in Tchitchao, as well as the preliminaries in the other cantons, and especially with the great dance of the Evala in Tcharè and Pya Hodo.
Nice catches appreciated
For a whole week, the Kabyè country will live at the time of the initiation ceremonies of the young boy. Fervor will reign everywhere among the wrestlers, supervisors, supporters, spectators, in the arenas, the streets, the houses, the communities, the markets, etc. Nearly eight days of sustained physical effort, deprivation for the Evala, but also a great atmosphere for everyone.
Faustin LAGBAI