West Africa: Humanitarian situation report May 2007

SIGNIFICANT FACTS

- Food and nutrition situation of concern in some areas of Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania, Togo and the Gambia

- Meningitis: more than 33,000 cases reported in 12 African countries since the beginning of the year

- Cholera in Senegal and Guinea

- Case of avian influenza confirmed in Ghana

- Degradation of security in northern Niger, northern Mali

- Storage conditions of explosive devices disturbing in Guinea Bissau

1- SOCIO-POLITICAL AND SECURITY SITUATION

Guinea: soldiers demand the payment of their salary arrears

In the first half of May, soldiers demonstrated in barracks to demand the payment of their salary arrears, the upgrading of some of them and the departure of some high ranking officers of the army accused of corruption. President Conte has already satisfied one of the soldiers' demands by dismissing, on 12 May, the Defence Minister and top officers of the army. Despite these measures, however, demonstrations were held on the night of 12 to13 May. During these demonstrations, men in military uniform(1) were engaged in the looting of shops and stores, one of which belonged to UNFPA. UNFPA stores contained stocks of drugs and preservatives, computer equipment and motorcycles.

It is worth recalling that during the crisis from January to February, the WFP food reserves were ransacked in Kankan and Labe. A meeting between President Conte and the protesting soldiers is scheduled for 15 May. .

Côte d'Ivoire: dismantling the confidence belt

Within the framework of the implementation of the Ougadougou Agreement, two significant events took place in Côte d'Ivoire, on 16 April, namely: the dismantling of the confidence belt and the installation of the Integrated Command Centre (ICC).

The ICC's mission consists in preparing a defence and security policy, implementing the National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration, ensuring the security of open roads hearings and supervising the electoral process. The ICC should also coordinate measures relative to the free movement of persons and goods.

Niger: Mounting insecurity in the north

The security situation is worrying in Northern Niger. During the month of April, elements of the National Movement for Justice (MNJ comprising former Tuareg rebels) clashed with the Government army in the Air mountains. The number of victims was not announced. However, according to the press, vehicles of the Niger army were said to have exploded on mines, killing 10 people between 14 and April 2007. The Movement of Nigeriens for Justice claims most of the resources linked to the exploitation of the uranium and charcoal mines for the populations of the Agadez region, among other things.

Notes:

(1) Media source