Burkinabè author Ag Ibrahim Mohamed has published a book titled "Essakane, l'oasis d'or," which tells the story of the Essakane gold mine in Burkina Faso. The 405-page book is divided into four parts and covers the mine's history from the discovery of gold in the 1980s to its industrial exploitation. The book was dedicated on November 5, 2026, in Ouagadougou. Mohamed, a former employee of the mine and member of the local community, aims to preserve the memory of the territory and the human adventure marked by gold.
The book's first part explores the history of the Oudalan province, including its resistance to colonial penetration, a lesser-known aspect of Burkina Faso's national history. The second part focuses on the discovery of gold in the 1980s, which occurred during a period of drought, famine, and cholera epidemic in 1984. The discovery of a gold nugget by a local farmer, Ousseye Ak Sadiwa, marked the beginning of a significant transformation in the region. Mohamed's work highlights the impact of gold on the local population and the environment.
The third part of the book chronicles the transition from artisanal and semi-mechanized mining to industrial exploitation. It examines the installation of the industrial mine, the actors involved, labor organization, and relations with local communities. The fourth part presents Essakane as a pillar of Burkina Faso's gold industry, discussing its economic and social impact, as well as the challenges and shortcomings encountered during its operation.
Mohamed's book goes beyond the mine's economic history, exploring the social and environmental changes caused by gold exploitation. He discusses the benefits for local communities, tensions, violence, risks of landslides, environmental degradation, and child labor in the gold sector. The author emphasizes the need to prepare for the post-mine era, as gold mining is a limited activity that will eventually exhaust its resources.
Through his book, Mohamed aims to ensure that the history of Essakane remains a living heritage for future generations, even when the mine's resources are depleted. He sees his work as contributing to Burkina Faso's national sovereignty and local transformation of mineral resources. Mohamed's book is his third publication, following "Les pépites d'Essakane" (2023) and "Burkina Faso: un ténor de l'or" (2025).
"Essakane, l'oasis d'or" is available at the Mercury bookstore in Ouagadougou for 10,000 F CFA. The book has been praised for its detailed account of the mine's history and its impact on local communities. Mohamed's work is seen as a valuable contribution to Burkina Faso's literary and historical heritage.
The book's publication is significant, as it provides a comprehensive account of the Essakane gold mine's history and its impact on local communities. Mohamed's work serves as a testament to the importance of preserving the history of industrial activities and their social and environmental implications. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in Burkina Faso's history, mining industry, and social development.
Key points
- The book "Essakane, l'oasis d'or" provides a detailed history of the Essakane gold mine in Burkina Faso, from its discovery in the 1980s to its industrial exploitation.
