The weekend was a busy one in Ziguinchor. The city hosted a book launch for two works by teacher, writer, and poet Thidiane Louis Camara. His novel, "Salibette, la fille des dieux" (Salibette, the Daughter of the Gods), and his collection of poems, "Aube Nouvelle" (New Dawn), were presented to the public along with information to facilitate the transmission of the messages and the essence of the works, which extol the restoration of the values of solidarity and the ideal of community, at the heart of the cultural and social realities of Casamance.

 

 

A novel in service of the community ideal

 

In "Salibette, the Daughter of the Gods," the writer tells the story of Salibert, a young girl appointed queen by her community against her will. This singular destiny becomes a reflection of an ideal society where solidarity and collective work are the pillars of development.

"I wanted to show that a community is not built solely on institutions, but on shared values. Solidarity is our true wealth, and it is what must guide our future," the author said.

The novel blends culture, mysticism and a tribute to women, placing Casamance within a dynamic of resilience and transformation.

 

 

A collection of poems for remembrance and living together

 

With "Aube Nouvelle" (New Dawn), Camara explores the universal themes of life and death. In the first part, "L'ombre des absents" (The Shadow of the Absent), he pays homage to those who have passed away and left their mark on society. The second part calls for the preservation of social bonds, inviting greater empathy and compassion.

"I am talking about those men and women who have left us and who gave us so much. We must pay tribute to them. But I am also talking about our social relations: we need more empathy and sympathy for a better life together," he said.

His poetry thus becomes a mirror of our fragilities and a call for the rebirth of values.

 

 

A call for the revival of values

 

Beyond literature, the writer calls for a return to our values. "The social environment in which I live is marked by perpetual decline. I call for a return to our cultural values, to a way of living together that fosters collective development, without victims of the art of the society we are living through."

His words resonate as an exhortation to put culture and solidarity back at the heart of the Casamance social project.

 

The moving ceremony was punctuated by readings, discussions, and tributes. It celebrated not only the author's creativity but also the vitality of Casamance literature. Participants praised a body of work that blends memory and hope, and that puts the pen at the service of community development.