Episode Information

This “Living Story” introduces us to Mame Coumba Bang, a goddess living among the people of Saint-Louis in Senegal. Where the mouth of the Senegal River meets the Atlantic sea, there dwells a volatile, shapeshifting spirit. For many years, she has lived in harmony with the community. She controls the flow of the Senegal River, protecting them from the dangerous currents, enabling them to fish, even bathe, in these treacherous waters – but outsiders who do not pay tribute should beware. In a city that could be described as ‘ground zero’ for climate change, it is the belief of many that the constant flooding, lack of fish stocks and the rapidly eroding coastline are all directly linked to Mame Coumba’s wrath… there are few left among the Saint-Louisians who remember a deal that was struck moons ago, and continue to uphold their end of the bargain.