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Transcript/ScriptSAHEL COUPS SANCTIONS AID (TV)
HEADLINE: Sanctions, Development Aid Cuts Taking a Toll on Sahel Region
TEASER: Displaced people in Mali are suffering under sanctions, while people in Burkina Faso lack access to electricity access due to aid cuts.
PUBLISHED AT: 2/10/22 at 2:40pm
BYLINE: Henry Wilkins
DATELINE: Malou, Burkina Faso
VIDEOGRAPHER: Henry Wilkins
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Salem Solomon, DLJ
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, Zoom
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO X
TRT: 3:12
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: There is an accompanying radio piece. Wilkins used his own computer for the Zoom interviews.))
((INTRO)) [[The military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso so far appear unaffected by economic moves designed to punish them for ousting civilian-led governments. But aid groups say recently imposed sanctions and cuts in development aid are beginning to affect ordinary people, especially the many thousands displaced from their homes. For VOA, Henry Wilkins reports from Malou in Burkina Faso.]]
((NARRATOR))
The Sahel region is home to 2.5 million people displaced by conflict. Now citizens are feeling the fallout of recent military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.
ECOWAS, the West African political bloc, recently imposed sanctions on Mali after its military junta failed to hold democratic elections.
Awa Zango is displaced in Burkina Faso.
((Awa Zango, Displaced Person)) ((in Moore))
“At the market we buy corn, rice, beans and often condiments with what little means we have. If there is an increase in prices, it will be really difficult for us because we will no longer be able to pay [for] anything. We will just stay at home, and we will just wait for people of goodwill to help us.”
((NARRATOR))
Zango has ten children and fled a terrorist attack on her village approximately two years ago.
ECOWAS decided last week not to implement sanctions in Burkina Faso, but it is putting pressure on the country’s military junta to move towards democratic elections and could still impose sanctions if the junta does not comply.
The U.N. says displaced people are disproportionately affected in countries under sanctions.
((Alena Douhan, UN Special Rapporteur)) (in English)) ((Mandatory Courtesy: Zoom))
“They face serious impediments in the delivery of humanitarian aid. Even if they are dealing, for example, with food or medical goods only. They cannot do bank transfers. Donors may be scared to provide donations which will be used to provide humanitarian aid to the countries under sanctions.”
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile, the U.S. has “paused” $450 million in development aid funding for Burkina Faso as a result of the military junta taking power.
The money was earmarked for the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation, with aims to help improve access to electricity in Burkina Faso.
Naaba Toug-re is community leader of a village which relies on solar power because it is not connected to the national grid.
((Naaba Toug-re, Tanlarghin Community Leader)) ((in Moore))
“The people from the national electricity company tell us all the time that they will bring electricity, but these are just big promises… The refridges don’t work, and this spoils the food and to avoid this we have to take the food to [another town] to keep it in the fridges [at night].”
((NARRATOR))
Analysts say lack of development is one of the main causes of the Sahel’s decade long conflict with armed groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida, extremist groups that are exploiting and recruiting from communities disillusioned with the state.
While some analysts say development aid is essential to ending conflict in the Sahel’s region, others say it should be the responsibility of regional governments.
((Anna Schmauder, Clingendael Institute Analyst)) ((In English))) ((Mandatory Courtesy: Zoom))
“They are, of course, an important contribution, but they can’t make up for an effective state, they are replacing an effective state for now, a state that is capable of providing basic services to its citizens.”
((NARRATOR))
As for Zango, she is just anxious whether she can go on feeding her family.
((Henry Wilkins, for VOA News, Malou, Burkina Faso))
NewsML Media TopicsPolitics
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 10, 2022 15:34 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
