- Burkina Faso is facing a water crisis. The country is located in the Sahel region of Africa, which is prone to drought. The last few years have been particularly dry, and the country’s water resources are dwindling.
- Burkina Faso has only a few rivers, and most of them are dry for much of the year. The country relies heavily on groundwater, but this is also running low. In some areas, the water table has dropped by more than 10 meters.
- The government is trying to address the crisis by drilling new wells and constructing dams. But these measures are not enough. The country needs to find new sources of water, and fast.
- The water crisis in Burkina Faso is having a devastating impact on the population. Many people are struggling to access clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing. This is leading to poor health and a lack of productivity.
Armed groups causing a humanitarian crisis
The Sahel region is a vast area located in Africa that stretches from Mauritania in the west to Sudan in the east. It is a semi-arid region that is vulnerable to drought and other natural disasters. In recent years, the Sahel region has been affected by rising levels of armed conflict, which has led to the displacement of large numbers of people.
Armed conflict can be caused by a variety of factors, including political instability, resource competition, and ethnic or religious tensions. In the Sahel region, armed groups have been active in a number of countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These groups often engage in violent activities, including attacks on civilians and government forces, which can result in widespread displacement.
The displacement of large numbers of people due to armed conflict can have serious consequences for affected communities and the broader region. Displaced people may be forced to leave their homes and seek safety in other areas, which can put a strain on already scarce resources such as water, food, and shelter. This can lead to further suffering and hardship, as well as reduced productivity and a lower quality of life. It is important for governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to address the root causes of armed conflict and work to find solutions that can help prevent displacement and mitigate its impacts.
Rise in Armed group activity in the Sahel region has led to the displacement of nearly 800000 by 2020 according to WHO.
Clewa-Project contribution
One of Clewa-project’s main aims is to provide access to water to the most affected communities. To this effect, three projects have already been completed and water provided to the people of Ourgaye, Ourgadougou and Gampela, another project at Dourtenga is on going with many more planned.
We are trying to make a difference and as proud as we are for the work we have so far done, we still feel like we have a very long way to go still.
Burkina Faso needs all the help that can be spared, let’s start by spreading this message to any and everyone who can add a voice and make our message louder.
Sources;
https://www.icrc.org/en/document/burkina-faso-water-scarcity-conflict