In the Name of the Republic is a graphic novel blending action, espionage, and geopolitics. Based on real events and characters inspired by existing figures, it immerses the reader in the daily lives of French special forces confronting terrorist threats. After a solid first volume centered on the hunt for terrorist cells in France, the second volume takes us to Somalia.

Somalia: A Powder Keg

At the heart of the Horn of Africa, Somalia continues to spiral into chaos. A fragile government, supported by major world powers, tries to rebuild a country ravaged by 30 years of civil war. However, militias still control entire neighborhoods in the capital, and jihadist groups like Al-Shabaab spread chaos and terror throughout the country and into neighboring states.

Two French agents, sent to train government forces, are captured by a local militia, which in turn has its hostages taken by the Islamist group Al-Shabaab. While one of the Frenchmen manages to escape, the other is taken deep into the desert. A rescue mission organized by Paris fails: the prisoner dies, along with two agents. The French government now targets the leader of Al-Shabaab, responsible for these deaths.

The Fall of the Black Hawk

This second volume of In the Name of the Republic plunges the reader into the powder keg of the Horn of Africa. Coups, poverty, and Islamism have torn apart a country whose location by the Red Sea makes it crucial for global trade. Constantly under surveillance and foreign assistance, it struggles to find even a glimpse of peace, weakened by internal fractures. It has become a minefield where intelligence services from around the world operate discreetly to prevent further chaos.

Indeed, the antagonist in this volume is a violent and real Islamist group that uses Somalia as a base to carry out bloody operations both within the country and beyond. Led by a paranoid and maniacal leader, they impose terror on the local populations, justifying their brutality on supposed religious grounds. Fueled by decades of local conflict and the return of fighters from Afghanistan and Iraq, this group remains a serious threat that the local government cannot combat alone.

In the Name of the Republic: A Chilling Atmosphere

This volume reveals a dual atmosphere. The first, chilling, is that of the local populations forced to submit to the strongest, enduring daily humiliations. Any mistake or mere suspicion can lead to death. And if it’s not at the hands of their oppressors, it may come from security forces trying to eliminate the threat, risking collateral damage. The jihadists, in fact, intentionally position themselves in civilian-populated areas, seeking exactly this outcome.

The second atmosphere concerns the French intelligence services. Driven by a strong sense of duty, they must infiltrate the enemy, find allies, and trust no one. They've gotten themselves into a dangerous situation. While technology, like drones, helps them better understand their adversary, human intelligence remains critical. However, their sources take enormous risks, and the officers handling them know that, if exposed, they won’t be able to help them. This presents a real moral dilemma.

A Human-Centric Story

The real strength of this series lies in its realism. The behaviors, choices, and strategies are rooted in real-life situations. The brutal violence serves as a reminder that there’s no room for error. It’s a life-or-death struggle. The men and women sent into these environments are elite, handpicked individuals. They adhere to strict rules because there is no margin for mistakes. Even a well-intentioned action that goes against orders will be punished.

The same realism is applied to the adversaries. The authors offer an unflinching portrayal of cynical jihadist leaders who cowardly hide behind their henchmen, sending others to do their dirty work while they take refuge among civilians. One man, whose motivations remain unknown, decides to betray his leader and contribute to the downfall of this bloodthirsty madman. This volume pays tribute to him and to all the anonymous informants who risk their lives in this dangerous world.

It is with great pleasure that we’ve read through this second volume of In the Name of the Republic. Fans of series like Coeurs Noirs and The Bureau will love this album. Find the other titles in the series on https://www.editions-soleil.fr/series/serie-au-nom-de-la-republique.