Many positive developments have been witnessed in West Africa since 2005. Conflicts have been resolved and democracy is spreading, but challenges persist.
The security of each country is closely linked to that of the others in the region by strategic alliances and regional economic and commercial networks – and not least through migration and a steady flow of refugees. Natural resources are unevenly distributed between countries and areas. Climate change and food shortages can quickly lead to new and heightened conflicts in the region.
A large proportion of women and men is illiterate in West Africa. These people often have little knowledge of their rights as human beings. Extreme poverty, a shortage of jobs and low levels of education each lead to insecurity. Female genital mutilation and early marriage are both serious breaches of human rights.
In West Africa, Norwegian Church Aid works in Mali, Mauritania and Western Sahara. Our regional office is located in Bamako, Mali.
The majority of the population in the areas where NCA works is muslim. In these areas, we work in close cooperation with local organisations and in some cases local authorities. NCA has established a constructive cooperation with Muslim leaders. In Mauritania we cooperate closesly with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).