Voices of hope is a tribute to the strength and resilience of people affected by extremist groups in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. These remarkable stories highlight individuals who, despite immense challenges, are rebuilding their lives, families and communities. Their aspiration for peace and stability is not a distant dream but a future they actively shape.

Stabilization efforts have directly supported over 90,000 people across the communes of Seytenga, Gourcy and Yako in Burkina Faso.

As families return to their villages or stabilized areas, displaced people and host communities both face increased resource pressure and tensions, particularly in firewood-dependent communities. Therefore, many initiatives focus on sustainable agriculture and land restoration to rebuild lives and offer communities new opportunities and hope.

“Before the crisis, I lived in Seytenga with my husband and our five children. When the conflicts erupted, armed groups took away our livestock and then came back, killing my husband and many others in our village. I fled to Dori with my children in a cart. 

I received training in community conflict prevention and management and in gardening techniques. The training involved using non-soil planting techniques as an alternative agricultural practice for climate security and sustainability. These practices are now providing food for over 3,000 households in the commune!

I was also selected for the cash-for-work programme, rebuilding roads to earn money. This opportunity allowed me to meet my children’s needs and buy clothes and food. What I hope for now is the continuous improvement of gardening areas for good production during the dry season.”

 – Dicko Aissatou Hama, Seytenga, Burkina Faso 

“After the 2021 Boko Haram attacks in our community, we started living in fear and trauma. Our children could no longer attend school, and we couldn’t go to our farms, those who attempted to do so were either killed or kidnapped. In the chaos, I ended up selling small goods on the street in Mozogo, struggling to make ends meet.

Two years ago, the Stabilization Facility arrived in Mozogo. Through its support, I received a shop where I could keep my refrigerator functioning properly. Now, I sell larger quantities of goods, such as biscuits, sweets, milk, rice, tomatoes, soap, body and hair care products and refrigerated juices.

This shop symbolized a new lease on life, securing my goods and protecting my stock. Additionally, it is well-lit thanks to the new solar street panels in the area. With the revival of cross-border trade and this support, my income has increased from 200,000 CFA (US$332) to about 1,700,000 CFA (US$2,826).

“Every day, local authorities deploy at least four staff members to work in the maternity ward: a midwife, a nurse, an orderly and a receptionist, as well as two volunteer hygienists. Thanks to these efforts, women’s attendance and confidence in the N'Gagam maternity ward’s services have increased.

Previously, women hesitated to give birth in the ward, preferring traditional methods. But now, not only are they coming to the maternity ward to give birth, but they are also raising awareness of maternity services among other women.

The improved access to healthcare services has also had a significant impact on children’s health, particularly in the treatment of malnutrition and malaria.”

– Falmata Kerea Madou, president of the N’Gagam women’s group

“When we finally returned to our villages after a long and dangerous journey, we found our house burned down. My father told us not to worry or cry. We cleaned up the mess and built a small temporary shelter to live in until we could rebuild our house properly.

In addition to rebuilding our community’s police station, customs offices and immigration offices, The Stabilization programme drilled boreholes. The new water boreholes made daily life much easier. Clean, close water means better health for my family and less time spent fetching water. This has allowed me to focus on rebuilding our lives. Most importantly, the Community Stabilization Committee has given me a voice in our community. As a woman, being able to speak up and have my concerns addressed is new and empowering.

Without a sense of security, it’s hard to do any of these things. You’re always worried and can’t think ahead. That’s why I believe security is the most important part of feeling stable in life. Today, security is better in Ngala, and people are returning home, ready to start over.”

– Falmata Alhaji Modu, Women’s representative on the Community Stabilization Committee, Ngala, Nigeria

The Liptako-Gourma region, spanning Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, is facing significant instability. Recent unconstitutional changes in the three governments have led to political tensions and weakened democratic order and governance. Insecurity is increasing, driven by the presence of various extremist groups and armed militias. Regional political instability and ongoing security threats have exacerbated humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities, with over 2.8 million people displaced.

Active in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, the Facility has significantly enhanced security, access to education, healthcare and justice, and created livelihood opportunities. These efforts have enabled over 500,000 internally displaced persons to return home.

For the latest facts and figures on the Facility, visit the 2023 Summary Report.

Share these stories with your colleagues, friends and family! To learn more:

• Contact: stabilisation_programme-team@undp.org
• Visit: UNDP Regional Stabilization Facility
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