the testimony book of war reporter Dorothée Olliéric

At 13, Dorothée Olliéric dreamed of journalism. 45 years later, she has covered the four corners of the world where men wage war against each other, to bear witness, to be there where History is written. In her latest book “Maman s’en va-en guerre”, the journalist from Nantes recounts her life and this passion-based profession that she imposed on her family.

Dorothée Olliéric, a senior reporter for France Télévisions, has often had the opportunity to ask herself this question. After 30 years of walking the front lines of global conflicts, in her book Maman s’en va-en guerre, she returns to her extraordinary journey, where journalistic passion and family life constantly intersect.

My children always saw me leave in a bulletproof vest and heavy helmet, but above all, they always saw me come back.

Dorothée Olliéri

Grand reporter

Happy to be born under a lucky star. Now aged 20 and 23, her children, Félix and Castille, grew up watching their mother juggle between reporting under bullets and moments of tenderness at home.

Dorothée Olliéric has been covering conflicts for three decades. Afghanistan, Rwanda, Iraq, Colombia, Ukraine: so many areas where she has engaged with unwavering determination.

Being at the forefront of history being written is visceral.

Dorothée Olliéric

Grand reporter

She recalls that her role is to “tell the story of the war from the perspective of men and women “.

In Ukraine, while the first missiles fell on kyiv in 2022, Dorothée chose to stay there. “For me, it was obvious. It is in these moments that our profession takes on its full meaning.“While several journalistic teams, sometimes on orders from their editorial staff, left the field which had become dangerous, she was at the forefront of the war which was beginning, encouraging her younger sisters and brothers to stay despite the risks:”Your job begins now.”

In Afghanistan, a country she describes as a “thunderbolt“and where she has visited around twenty times, she has witnessed major upheavals, from the arrival of the Taliban in 1996 to their return in 2021.”I saw women gaining freedom, becoming police officers, magistrates, journalists… and all that collapsed. It still hurts today.“

Behind the intrepid journalist hides an attentive and loving mother. “I am a mother hen“, she slips. At the time, even from war zones, she called her children to have a poem recited or the multiplication tables repeated. “JI had an eye on Paris, even when reporting. “

A double life which has not always been easy, despite the support of his family. She remembers a history and geography teacher who made her face her responsibilities: “Don’t you think your children need you? “A remark that deeply shook her:”All that guilt came flooding back, but eventually I moved on.”

For her children, she always minimized the risks, while explaining to them the reality of her job.

When my son asked me if I wanted to go inside a coffin, I understood how much the war in Ukraine had scared him.

Dorothée Olliéric

Grand reporter

Dorothée Olliéric encourages women not to give up on their passions despite their role as mothers and the difficulties of life. “In 2025, we can do anything. It will certainly be complicated, but happy children are first and foremost a fulfilled mother..”

A fulfilled and fulfilled mother reading the letter from her daughter, Castille, which she transcribes at the end of the book and which says in particular: “My mother is an adventurer who is afraid of nothing. She embodies both courage and humanity. She transmits her passion to those who watch her, and her kindness to those who encounter her in the most difficult moments. So yes, tell me about her, about my mother, the one I am most proud of in the world. I owe him everything. And I love him so much “. “When I read his words, I tell myself that I was not wrong ” savors Dorothée.

Born in Nantes, Dorothée Olliéric always takes a piece of her native Atlantic with her. “These roots are my anchor. When I come back, seeing my parents and breathing the sea air recharges my batteries.”

Her family and professional commitment, her links with the soldiers or her meetings in the trenches, make her a deeply human journalist. “Despite the risks, we come back better from these experiences. The field is my life.”

With “Maman s’en va-en guerre”, Dorothée Olliéric offers a lesson in courage and balance, proving that it is possible to combine passion and family life, even when you frequent war zones. An inspiring testimony and a vibrant tribute to all those who dare to follow their path, whatever the challenges.

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