Dear friends, dear donators
In the North of Niger exceptional conditions are still prevailing – a fast solution to this violent conflict is not in sight. This ongoing state causes a devastating spiral of poverty and violence on which we already reported in November 2007.
Many Tuareg families in the North of Niger fear for their daily bread – a humanitarian situation that still is a constant worry to us. The threatening provision shortage in this region together with government militia blockades and scattered landmines on most important access roads contribute to the tightening of the situation. Life circumstances of the resident population changes for the worse and with the currently insufficient provision situation the people will go hungry.
Food Supply
Due to these circumstances, the ENMIGRAW Suisse management team has decided to make this problem top priority. After a brief discussion amongst the team, the decision to help immediately was taken.
We had in mind a kind of „driving supply van“ that was to be used in the seriously affected area of Talak, in order to provide the Tuareg families with millet, rice, oil and semolina to be bought at subsidised prices.
However, the Nigerien government has strictly banned such action. For fear that the rebels would get support, nobody is allowed to drive into the desert with more than 50 kg of food supply. Due to the fact that time was short and also because we did not want to tackle it too hastily, we had to look for a more pragmatic way.
After consulting with ENMIGRAW Niger, we decided to open a food supply warehous to be located in Arlit. This solution seemed to be the most practical one and appealed to all of us. In Benin, Alhassane Barka bought 4,5 tons of rice and 700 litres of cooking oil. Adam Barto purchased 4 tons of millet and 3 tons of semolina.
By handing out food ration cards to the families concerned, we grant them a subsidised purchasing of vital staple foods. Depending on the size of the family, a certain quantity of food per month will be provided.
News - especially good ones – travel fast within the desert and the Talak population is anxiously and impatiently expecting the opening of the food supply warehouse, since it is a question of their existence.
We hope to be able to report very soon about the successful opening. We would like to emphasize that this kind of help should only be short-termed. ENMIGRAW Suisse still concentrates its help on consistent and true long-term sustainability.
Well Eschik Nischisch
The Tuareg Nomades of Talak are in need of the indispensable water of Eschik Nischisch, because the well is situated outside of the military zone.
Due to continuous friction of the ropes, the concrete already full of holes started to crumble. Heavy rains and bad construction had lowered the ground around the well by 30 cm. To cut a long story short, the wall was in miserable condition.
After ENMIGRAW Niger had clarified the requirements, we started mid February with the reconstruction of the well “Eschik Nischisch”. Despite incessant unrest, the political situation in the Talak region was more or less stable, so that we could take the responsibility for the start of our work.
Within no time ENMIGRAW Niger had organised the necessary material, i.e. a well specialist as well as a pick-up. Many hands were impatiently waiting for the said day! They started off by bringing big stones and boulders in order to be able to fill the sunken area.
With the help of pickaxes, shovels and spades the ground was reasonably evened out and craggy transitions were levelled. Everybody helped in his/her own way – the Tuareg women brought food and the children were busy keeping the flocks of thirsty goats and sheep away from the well.
Rebars were laid and gave the impression of a spider’s web around the well. At the same time, the well edge was heightened by 60 cm and the fork supports were stabilized in the ground.
After eleven days the hard work was done and Eschik Nischisch is now waiting for the first camels, sheep and donkeys that will quench their thirst at the two newly built cattle watering places.
„We are relieved“ said an old Tuareg, „that at last we now have a working well that lies outside the military conflict zone”.
The Tuareg population of Talak would like to thank ENMIGRAW Suisse and Niger for their courageous and exceptional support.
And we, the ENMIGRAW team, would like to thank all donators for their unfailing great support.
Spring Market at Jona
Also this year - thanks to the sunny weather - we had many visitors at our stall who were interested in the progress of our projects as well as in the attractive pieces of jewellery on display. Many an interesting conversation took place while drinking a cup of tasty Tuareg tea. By selling jewellery we were able to support our food project with CHF 1’231.--. Furthermore, the generosity of people’s donations had exceeded our expectation by far.
We say to everybody „Tannemert hullan“.
Membership ENMIGRAW Suisse
You are warmly invited to actively support us with your entering into membership. By doing so you will enhance the long-term financing of our projects. Your donations will solely be used for our current and future projects. We are a recognised non-profit organisation and, therefore, allowed to provide donation confirmations.
To download Application form click here
Enjoy a sunny and beautiful springtime!
Anita, Mouhamed, Bea and Sandra