Conversation with Pascal Boroto & Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

Artist's News

Congolese journalist and author Pascal Boroto is originally from South Kivu in the DRC. He develops a body of writing and research grounded in fieldwork, focusing on the memory of survivors of the wars in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Prix Voix d’Afriques, launched in 2020 by JC Lattès, RFI and the Cité internationale des arts, shines a spotlight on new French-speaking literary voices from the African continent, whose debut novels explore both the political, economic and social realities of a country and more intimate narratives.
The laureate is awarded a residency of 2 months at the Cité internationale des arts.

Since its creation, the Prize has honoured Yaya Diomandé (2020), Fann Attiki (2021), Ernis (2022), Nincemon Fallé (2024) and, in 2026, Pascal Boroto, originally from Kivu in the DRC, who is currently in residence at the Cité.
On May 12, at 8.30 pm, the Maison de la Poésie will host an evening of readings and discussion centred around his debut novel, Le Nom de ma mère, in conversation with the writer Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, President of the Jury for the 2026 Prix Voix d’Afriques, moderated by Catherine Fruchon-Toussaint.

Pascal Boroto will also take part in the Cité internationale des arts’ Open Studios on May 20, 2026, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Pascal Boroto, Le nom de ma mère, JC Lattès, 2026

Le Nom de ma mère

Solange Lusiku is both respected and under threat. She founded an independent newspaper in Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To her son Pascal, she is a heroine, the cornerstone of both their family and his life. While he is still in secondary school, Solange dies, leaving Pascal without guidance or a role model. Thus begins the journey of a young man haunted by loss. A few years later, he joins the staff of his mother’s newspaper. But what kind of man, what kind of journalist, does he want to become? He decides to leave for Goma, the martyred city marked by war and suffering. And his life is turned upside down.