Author: Philip Obaji Jr.
Heartbreaking Stories: Surviving Sexual Violence in Mali In a harrowing tale of survival, young girls Kani and Coumba, along with other women, faced sexual violence at the hands of armed men while fleeing violence in Mali. Despite enduring unimaginable trauma, speaking out is their first step towards healing. Arriving in Ayourou, Niger after enduring horrific abuse, these survivors recount their harrowing experiences of rape and brutality. The journey to Niger was fraught with danger and sorrow, as rampant attacks in Mali continue to threaten the safety and wellbeing of innocent civilians. In the midst of conflict and chaos, the victims…
Discovering the Dangerous World of Artisanal Mining in Central African Republic When Sadock sought refuge in the town of Koki in the northwest Central African Republic (CAR) in 2022, he believed he found safety as an artisanal miner. However, the arrival of Russia’s Wagner Group changed everything. The paramilitaries began seizing control of gold mines, displacing locals and causing violence. Sadock had already experienced displacement from Ndassima and Aigbado due to similar conflicts involving the extraction of natural resources by foreign forces. These attacks have led to the deaths of many artisanal miners and the destruction of communities. Despite the…