Dreaming of the Future at 16 in the Sahel

The central and northern areas of Mali continue to be the most affected by a security crisis that has lasted for almost twelve years. Abdouramane*, aged 16, lives in the north of the country, more precisely in the Gao region. He has almost never known anything other than this climate of insecurity. 

The economic difficulties encountered by his modest family, hard hit by the crisis, interrupted his schooling at an early age. Wandering aimlessly and faced with a lack of prospects for young people in these regions, Abdouramane decided to join an armed group active in northern Mali, in order to help support his family, which has lost all its sources of income. 

Within this armed group, Abdouramane worked as a courier, transporting water and fuel to checkpoints. He also prepared meals for the members of the group, under the supervision of his superior, the head of the post. During his time with the armed group, he faced precarious living conditions. The work put him at risk, particularly because of the long journeys he had to make, often through conflict zones, making each mission increasingly risky.

Abdouramane left the armed group thanks to the awareness-raising efforts carried out by the Local Child Protection Committee (CLPE) regarding serious violations of children's rights. These awareness-raising sessions had an impact on his uncle, who became aware of the danger to which his nephew was exposed. Thanks to his intervention and the commitment of the CLPE, Abdouramane was able to be removed from the group. 

In January 2024, Abdouramane was discovered by members of the Local Child Protection Committee (CLPE) of his commune. He was then referred to the Transit and Orientation Center (CTO) in Gao, where he received temporary care. He received accommodation, appropriate food, health care, and clothing. In addition, Abdouramane received psychological support. Thanks to the listening and counseling sessions, he realized that a better future was possible. He begins to consider projects, aspires to become a trader and projects himself into a respected role within his community. 

Abdouramane receives support for his project of selling food and household products. He follows basic training in entrepreneurship in order to acquire the skills necessary to manage his business. Promoting the economic and social reintegration of young people formerly associated with armed groups helps to reduce the risks of re-recruitment. These young people are reunited with their families and are regularly monitored until their situation stabilizes.

The United Nations Secretary-General's report on children and armed conflict indicates that 691 children associated with armed forces and groups were recorded in Mali in 2023. In this context, the project "Preventing recruitment and supporting the reintegration of children affected by conflict in West and Central Africa" aims to respond to this crisis. It has allowed Abdouramane and more than a dozen other young people to hope for a future far from the fighting and armed groups active in the Sahel. This project is funded by the United States Department of State in collaboration with UNICEF. 

Abdouramane's small business attracts residents who come to buy necessities. He helps his parents provide for the family. The teenager has regained self-confidence and is already thinking about expanding his business and hiring other young people who have experienced the same situation as him. 

His journey is a source of inspiration for the village. “I want to prove to other young people that it is possible to succeed differently, and that business can help us build a better life. My ambition is to open a big shop in Gao,” says Abdouramane. His experience of reintegration into his community also contributes to strengthening the social cohesion of the village. “Thanks to this project, my life has taken a new turn. My business has given me back dignity and confidence. I want other children to understand that it is possible to rebuild and move forward.”

*The name has been changed to protect child identity.