OSS 117: From Africa with Love

Africa is the central setting, a politically unstable country where President Koudjo Sangawe Bamba maintains power with clones and stand-ins. The action moves across the presidential palace, docks, a rebel camp and a crocodile-filled swamp, illustrating how danger and political manipulation intersect. External powers, including France and the Soviet Union, influence events and shape the country’s fate.

👑 Power & Governance

The story centers on how a ruler uses clones and strategic alliances to prop up a fragile regime. It examines the fragility of authority when faced with internal coups and external influence. The tension between maintaining control and addressing the people’s needs drives the plot and character decisions.

🕵️ Espionage & Deception

OSS 117 operates in a web of misdirection, undercover schemes, and strategic leaks. The mission relies on disguise, surveillance, and rapid improvisation to outmaneuver rivals. Trust is scarce, and wit becomes a crucial tool in navigating dangerous political games.

💘 Romance & Colonial Tensions

A romantic entanglement with Zephyrine Bamba complicates Hubert’s objectives and highlights cultural and power dynamics rooted in colonial attitudes. Personal feelings clash with political duties, adding emotional stakes to the battle for sovereignty. The relationship exposes the tension between ideals of equality and imperial mindsets.

🌐 Geopolitics & External Influence

The plot foregrounds competing powers—the French government and the Soviet Union—interacting with a volatile African regime. Arms deals, alliances, and ideological battles shape the trajectory of the rebellion. The interplay of local politics with international interests underscores how global forces steer regional outcomes.