Hubert Kolani's debut novel 'Le Sang du Pouvoir' explores the darker side of African politics

• Hubert Kolani, a Togolese author and lawyer, released his debut novel, "Le Sang du Pouvoir" (The Blood of Power).
• The book examines "dark politics" in Africa, focusing on power struggles, human sacrifice, and the influence of mysticism.
• Kolani uses fiction as a "shield" to address sensitive topics that might otherwise face censorship or professional risk in journalism or essays.

Core Themes

• Feminine Resilience: The novel features a strong female lead navigating complex hardships.
• Political Realities: Kolani characterizes African politics as a domain where power is seized rather than granted.
• Human Complexity: The story moves beyond common tropes of misery to depict characters who experience love, doubt, and laughter.

Perspectives on Power

• Generational Shift: Unlike the previous generation, which often relied on silence as a survival strategy, Kolani notes that his peers use digital connectivity to question and compare political systems.
• Systemic Corruption: The author suggests that power often corrupts individuals through the systems they inhabit, rather than inherently turning all leaders into monsters.
• Call for Humanity: The novel intends to shift reader perspectives, advocating for a more just, free, and fraternal society through dialogue rather than lectures.