Mahamat Hamat Harba's debut novel "La Pièce manquante" has been published by Al Gamar editions in 2026. The book explores the connections between science, technology, and development in Chad. It tells the story of Abouna, a young man passionate about mechanics, and his journey to become an engineer in mechanical and electronic engineering. Harba's work highlights the shortcomings of scientific education and the technological dependence of nations.
The novel consists of twenty chapters spanning 262 pages and follows Abouna's ambitions to understand the functioning and production processes of various technologies, including airplanes, cars, and telecommunications. Through Abouna's story, Harba questions why some nations remain consumers of foreign technologies without developing their own production capacities. The author argues that development relies not only on infrastructure but also on the education of competent, creative, and innovative citizens.
Harba's work also addresses the challenges faced by scientific education in Chad. The eleventh chapter describes outdated university equipment, deteriorated laboratories, and a lack of technical resources. Critic Mahmoud Abdraman Loni praises the novel for its ability to transcend fiction and reflect the educational and scientific realities of the country. Loni's comments highlight the significance of Harba's portrayal of Chad's scientific and technological challenges.
Born in 1994 in Biltine, Chad, Mahamat Hamat Harba holds a degree in industrial engineering and maintenance. His passion for technical sciences, literature, and leadership led him to write "La Pièce manquante," marking his entry into Chad's literary scene. The novel serves as an advocacy for technical science education and technological mastery, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency in building a nation's future.
The title "La Pièce manquante" refers to the knowledge and skills required for a nation to construct its own future. Harba's work encourages readers to reflect on the essential role of scientific and technological development in achieving national progress. By sharing Abouna's story, Harba aims to inspire a new perspective on the importance of education and innovation in Chad.
The publication of "La Pièce manquante" marks a significant contribution to Chad's literary landscape, offering a unique perspective on the country's scientific and technological challenges. Harba's debut novel has sparked interest in the importance of science education and technological self-sufficiency, resonating with readers and critics alike.
Key points
- The novel "La Pièce manquante" explores the challenges of scientific education and technological dependence in Chad.
- The author, Mahamat Hamat Harba, argues that development relies on both infrastructure and the education of competent, creative, and innovative citizens.
- The book serves as an advocacy for technical science education and technological mastery in Chad.
