Bangui, a capital with many gardens and wild birds

Alhadji is a young Central African from Bangui. His father was a truck driver, travelling as far as Nigeria and Cameroon. Alhadji loves his country, especially Bangui, for its many parks and wild areas. According to him, “around fifty species of birds” populate the site, including several parrots and Souimanga, known as sunbirds by the Anglophones. You can even find macaques scampering between the trees. So, take the time to observe the rich flora and fauna!
The Oubangui River, a tributary of the Bangui River, flows through the Central African capital. Alhaji has fond memories of playing with friends and family on the banks of the river or in the waterfalls. Members of the Central African diaspora like to meet up with their families there to share a moment of conviviality and sharing.

Central Africa and its caterpillars

Central Africans enjoy meat, vegetables, and fruit, but also insects! Caterpillars, known as Makongo, are highly prized by Central Africans for their vitamin content and sweet taste! “It crunches under your teeth,” says Alhadji! While caterpillars are abundant, there is also plenty of koko and ngoundja. Ngoundja is a dish that Central Africans love, made from cassava leaves, peanuts, and pure palm oil. People often eat it with gozo (a cassava ball). The young Central African also mentions plantains, which he mixes with koko and chicken.

Alhadji, the footballer who doesn’t like math

“I love football too much!” declares the player wearing the number 10 shirt enthusiastically. He remembers the neighbourhood tournaments from his childhood, which he never missed! However, he had a bit of trouble with school, particularly math. After being humiliated by a teacher in class one day, he grew a complicated relationship with numbers. Nevertheless, when asked how much is “6 x 8”, he quickly replied, “48!”