In conversation with Mohamed Lumeh, Gola Historian & Conservationist at Sierra Leone's last remaining site with primary forest in Kenema District. We visit the ancient Gola Gravesite to learn about the legend of King Fombo who chose freedom over submission during the 16th Century Mane Invasion, and discuss the mysticism of Mende Warriors. We also explore the rich flora, fauna, and ecotourism at the Gola Rainforest National Park.

References & Sources

For more information about the Gola Rainforest: https://golarainforest.org/

For more on the music and life of Salia Koroma: https://bit.ly/2CvMxNx

For more on offsetting carbon emission with the Gola REDD Project: https://bit.ly/3gVlpWY

For a more accurate and detailed review of the History of the Manes Invasion to Sierra Leone please see: Rodney, Walter. "A Reconsideration of the Mane Invasions of Sierra Leone." The Journal of African History 8, no. 2 (1967): 219-46. Accessed July 14, 2020. www.jstor.org/stable/179481.

The Manes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mane_people