Daba’s Travels from Ouadda to Bangui
Central African Republic

Daba’s Travels from Ouadda to Bangui

by Pierre Makombo Bamboté

Coming of Age Fiction 1970

Summary

Daba’s Travels from Ouadda to Bangui follows Daba, a young boy growing up in the Central African Republic, whose life changes when he leaves his village of Ouadda to pursue an education. Raised in a close-knit rural community, Daba develops a deep affection for his family, his homeland, and the natural world around him. His journey takes him far beyond the familiar landscapes of his childhood, introducing him to new towns, people, and ways of life.

As Daba travels towards Bangui, the country’s capital, he encounters different communities and experiences that broaden his understanding of the world. Education becomes a gateway to new opportunities, but his travels also make him more aware of the contrasts between rural and urban life.

Drawing on the author’s own childhood experiences, the novel offers young readers an introduction to the geography, traditions, and everyday life of the Central African Republic. Through Daba’s adventures, Bamboté explores education, cultural identity, and the transition from childhood towards greater independence.

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Country
Central African Republic
Africa
About the author
Pierre Makombo Bamboté
Pierre Makombo Bamboté

Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932–2016) was a Central African poet, novelist, and cultural figure whose work explored African history, identity, and the changes affecting postcolonial societies. He was born in Ouadda, in what is now the Central African Republic, and drew heavily on the landscapes, traditions, and experiences of his homeland. Bamboté held several important cultural and public positions during his career, including director of the Bangui Museum, director-general of information, and ambassador to UNESCO. In 1973, he moved to Quebec, Canada, where he became a professor of African literature at Université Laval. Writing poetry, fiction, and children’s literature, Bamboté sought to preserve Central African cultural memory while examining the tensions between traditional ways of life and modern social change. His works include La Poésie est dans l’histoire (1962), Les Randonnées de Daba (1965), and Princesse Mandapu (1972). His best-known children’s book, Daba’s Travels from Ouadda to Bangui, follows a young boy whose journey for education opens up a wider world beyond his village. The novel reflects Bamboté’s interest in childhood, learning, and the cultural richness of the Central African Republic.

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Details
Published
1970
Author
Pierre Makombo Bamboté