The UISPP Commission Art and Civilizations in the Sahara during Prehistoric Times is delighted to announce the election of Latifa Sari, Vice-President of the Commission, as President of the PanAfrican Archaeological Association. Latifa was elected by the members of PanAf during the General Assembly held on 31 July 2026.
This is an important and well-deserved recognition of Latifa’s longstanding contribution to African prehistoric archaeology. Research Director at the Centre National de Recherches Préhistoriques, Anthropologiques et Historiques (CNRPAH) in Algiers, Latifa has devoted much of her research to the prehistory of North Africa, with a particular focus on lithic technologies, the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, and the ways in which prehistoric communities adapted to changing environments. Her research and publications have contributed significantly to a better understanding of the technological and cultural variability of prehistoric societies in the Maghreb and beyond.
Latifa has also played an active role in international archaeological collaboration. She has been involved in UISPP activities for many years and currently serves as Vice-President of the UISPP Commission Art and Civilizations in the Sahara during Prehistoric Times, whose activities bring together researchers working across the Sahara, Mediterranean Africa and the Nile Valley and promote interdisciplinary approaches to prehistoric societies, environments and cultural expressions.
Her appointment as President of the PanAfrican Archaeological Association is therefore particularly significant for the wider African archaeological community. We are confident that her experience, scientific expertise and commitment to international collaboration will contribute to strengthening dialogue and cooperation among archaeologists working across the continent.
We also see this appointment as a valuable opportunity to further develop the longstanding links between the UISPP and the PanAfrican Archaeological Association, creating new possibilities for collaboration, exchange and the advancement of prehistoric and archaeological research in Africa.
On behalf of all members of our Commission, we warmly congratulate Latifa on this important appointment and wish her every success in her new role. We are particularly pleased that our Vice-President will now also take on this important responsibility within the wider African archaeological community.
Giulio Lucarini
President
UISPP Commission Art and Civilizations in the Sahara during Prehistoric Times