The dramatic news in the Middle East overshadows several crises around the world. Amnesty International revealed the barbaric acts of which the civilian populations of the Sahel region are victims in a report dated November 2, 2023, entitled “Death awaited us: Living in besieged localities in Burkina Faso.” (Source)
In these sometimes besieged regions, armed groups violate human rights and commit war crimes which unfortunately remain unpunished. Acts of cruelty such as killings of civilians, kidnapping of women and girls, and targeted attacks against civilian infrastructure and supply convoys (read our previous article) are documented in this alarming report. Access to water is targeted, as well as access to food, health and education. The humanitarian consequences are serious, pushing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.
According to Amnesty International estimates, in July 2023, no less than 46 localities suffered a brutal siege orchestrated by armed groups. The terrifying stories from these besieged areas come from civil society actors, who reveal a dramatic situation. One in twelve people have been forced to leave their homes due to the ongoing armed conflict.
In many besieged localities, Ansaroul Islam members prohibit residents from cultivating their land or accessing pastures for livestock, thereby jeopardizing their food security and livelihoods.
“The terrorists treat us as unbelievers and forbid us from cultivating our fields. I have not been able to cultivate this year (2022) nor access pastures for my livestock. At the start of the rainy season, they told us in Djibo that no one was allowed to go into the fields. Besides, they come and take our animals from the pastures as they want. Anyone who opposes them runs the risk of being killed.” Testimony of a resident who suffered violence
Morija remains determined to act while taking risks into account and continues to work to relieve the suffering of populations. Despite ongoing challenges and threats, Morija remains committed to providing support to vulnerable communities and drawing international attention to the ongoing unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
In Ourgou-Manéga, Burkina Faso, a region which hosts hundreds of families displaced by violence, Morija has implemented humanitarian actions to help these populations.
Actions taken by Morija:
- Organization of distributions of food and hygiene kits.
- Strengthening access to water and sanitation through the construction of boreholes and latrines
- Support for displaced people in their administrative and economic situation through training and grants for the creation of lucrative activities.
- Encourage dialogue between communities
