Royal dancers preserve Moundang war traditions in Chad

Royal dancers in the kingdom of Léré, a traditional state in the Mayo-Kebbi Ouest region of Chad, perform the Youngou dance to preserve their community's heritage.

The Moundang people trace their identity to this kingdom, which was established in the 18th century. These dancers perform for the Gong de Léré, the supreme sovereign of the kingdom, during official and traditional ceremonies. The Youngou dance originated as a military tactic to defend the kingdom against the Foulbé people.

Sobal, a 40-year-old dance leader, explains that the movements were designed to deceive enemy warriors. By using precise gestures and rhythmic steps, the dancers aimed to surprise opponents, seize their weapons, and defeat them. Today, the dancers wear fabrics on their chests that represent the iron shields they once carried into battle. The troupe serves as the king's protectors and scouts.

Sonozolé, a 38-year-old dancer in the royal troupe, describes the performers as the king's shield who assess the safety of an area before he arrives. This tradition is passed down through generations, with elders initiating young men once they reach puberty. The Gong de Léré, Ousmane Zoutene Payangfou, emphasizes that these ancestral practices predate modern religions and remain a primary focus of the kingdom's cultural preservation.