In today’s podcast episode we are joined by Dr Idayat Hassan Director for the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Abuja, Nigeria. Dr Hassan explains the growing violence in West Africa including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
- Learn more about the Centre for Democracy and Development, and access some of the resources mentioned by Dr Hassan by clicking here.
(Editors note: The sound quality was a little rough on this particular episode but due to the nature and priority of what Dr Hassan was discussing regarding the growing violence in West Africa we felt the need to go ahead and publish the episode.)
The Growing Violence in West Africa
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- In Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in 2019 there were more than 4,000 terrorism-related deaths – a fivefold increase from three years ago.
- In Burkina Faso alone the number of deaths resulting from terrorist activity jumped from 80 in 2016 to 1,800 in 2019.
- The number of displaced people in the Sahel has grown tenfold in the last 3 years to half a million people – as a result of this violence.
- Another 25,000 people have fled their homeland to neighbouring countries.
Key Takeaway from the Interview –
Those who have already read JB Shreve’s latest book will note the opening statements from Dr Hassan. The key problems in the region are not terrorism. These are symptoms of the deeper and more basic issues: water, food, and the struggle for resources among a growing population.
The growing violence in West Africa is full of reasons we should be paying attention to this escalating crisis. It is also becoming an increasingly important geopolitical issue. Check out these backgrounders from the End of History to learn more about what is going on in the Sahel.
- Emerging Crisis in the Sahel (December 2019)
- Escalating Violence in Burkina Faso (May 2019)
- Water Crisis in the Sahel (September 2019)
