Coups, civil war and political instability have wrecked havoc in the northern regions of Cote d'Ivoire (in West Africa) since 1999, but most especially in the northeastern corner of that once-prosperous country. A rural and sparsely-populated region, many of the inhabitants there are of the Lobi ethnic group--a people who for generations have inspired fear with their bows and poison-tipped arrows. Interestingly enough, this humble and hardworking people group is at the same time considered to be very low in the tribal pecking order.
With the rebel occupation, the inhabitants of this northeastern region have been denied what little government help they've had access to in the past...and have watched helplessly as much of the remaining infrastructure has crumbled before their eyes while under rebel control.
Health care--be it vaccinations or access to well-stocked government clinics and hospitals--has all but dried up. The annually plowed dirt roads have slowly become riverbeds and gullies. For some, family incomes have plummeted due to the rebel forces "buying" the local cash crop of cashews for below market prices. Schoolrooms have fallen into disrepair and some villages no longer have teachers. Basic supplies--medicines, school supplies, some foods, etc.--are often in short supply throughout this region.
As is all too often the case, it is the children of this region who suffer the most; yet, look at their proud, sweet faces. These children of the occupied territory will survive. Much better than that: THEY WILL THRIVE.
All images were taken during assignment with the American NGO (non-governmental organization), The Hanna Project.
Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa.
February 2008, 2009, and 2010.
