Eckhard_Schmerbeck
In "Ensure That the Desert Does Not Grow", the ninth volume of "The Right People" series, Tom and his companions are drawn into a widening circle of intrigue that spans Europe and Africa. Their journey leads them through covert encounters, political maneuvering, and personal entanglements, as they navigate worlds where idealism and ambition collide.
Along the way, they facilitate a clandestine meeting between a British intelligence operative and a man intent on becoming the world's most powerful hashish trafficker. Later, they accompany Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on a journey to Mali, where he seeks to broker peace between the Malian government and the tribes of the country's north. In Timbuktu, they meet President Moussa Traoré and representatives of the Tuareg and Fulbe and witness fragile attempts at reconciliation.
Returning to Tripolis, Tom and his friends encounter Oliver Tambo, the exiled leader of the African National Congress and a group of South African freedom fighters, further drawing them into the currents of liberation movements and geopolitical struggle.
Amid these events, the long‑standing love triangle between Tom, Nikos, and Sophia finally finds resolution as Sophia discovers new love with a Nubian named Maher.
As always, this novel is a work of fiction. Although grounded in extensive historical research, all characters - including historical figures - and all events depicted in the story are entirely fictional.
New chapters are published every Saturday.