The Anassara (White) Genie

THE ANASSARA (WHITE) GENIE:  The day I encountered this child, I had spent the day driving through the wild grasslands of the Azawak.  Evening was closing in, and Moustapha, my research assistant, was set on finding a Touareg camp to rest for the night. But before we found one, we spotted a Fulani family that had set up their camp near a ravine.  I told Moustapha that I wanted to camp at this spot, near the family.  I was excited to possibly interview them for my research.  He was skeptical and displeased.  He did not want to camp with these strangers. I insisted. Read more…