🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Aboubacar Maman Gambo discusses his trilogy "The Children of the Red Earth" and its themes of sovereignty, justice, and memory
via Lefaso.net13 min read
Aboubacar Maman Gambo, author of "The Children of the Red Earth" trilogy, emphasizes themes of sovereignty, justice, and memory in his work. Born and raised in Arlit, Niger, near a uranium mining company, Gambo, a lawyer specializing in international public law, international relations, and diplomacy, has worked in complex contexts like the Sahel. These experiences shaped his literary focus on human dignity and collective memory. The first book, "The Secret of Alaksass," introduces a people in the peaceful Alaksass valley who discover Gorubium, a mysterious substance coveted by the global power Tchingalen. The story follows characters like Takounou, Tagou, and President Amghar as they resist external domination to protect their freedom and culture. It explores sovereignty, natural resource protection, and the role of youth. The second book, "The Desert of the Living," delves into the consequences of Gorubium's discovery. Five years later, Akouta thrives due to Gorubium, but new questions arise about control, environmental impact, and the resource's unique property of only fully functioning within Akouta. This shifts the conflict from economic to civilizational, as powers seek to control the territory and its people. Gambo addresses forced displacement, technological limits, and societal resilience. The upcoming third book, "The Heirs of the Desert," focuses on the responsible use of power and legacy for future generations. It explores the balance between technological progres
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