Landmines in Casamance (Senegal)

Bonjour tout le monde,

I hope you learned a lot from Moussa's film, "Against The Tide Of History," about the devastating effect of landmines in the Casamance region of Senegal.

As we learned, Senegal has been involved in a raging internal conflict since 1982, when the Senegalese government and the “Mouvement Des Forces Démocratiques de la Casamance” (MFDC), who are fighting for the independence of the Casamance, are in conflict. Despite several cease-fire agreements, there has been no sustainable peace.



On 24 September 1988, Senegal signed and ratified the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of landmines, compels the State Party to destroy remaining landmines, and to provide assistance to landmine victims for rehabilitation and social reintegration. Yet the landmines are still being planted, with horrifying consequences.




We heard interviews from scholars, journalists, military members, psychologists, and surgeons. But most of all, the stories of the the victims haunt us. The victims who were profiled are, for the most part, civilians, and within the 15-30 year-old range at that. Not only are they physically left paralyzed and amputated, their states of mind and their futures have been shattered by one blow of a mine.

These innocent people have lost hope: they need immediate physical rehabilitation, international recognition, and psychological help. The renowned human rights organization RADDHO and the UN have tried to bring awareness to their plight. You now have the chance to spread awareness, too.



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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: CAN YOU HELP?

Please contact the filmmaker (and French teacher!) MOUSSA BOCOUME at mouboc@yahoo.fr:

-- If you want to learn more about the content in the film
-- If you want to donate money or otherwise help the landmine victims of Casamance

In addition, Moussa also has spots available for volunteers who can help with fundraising for his current project, the film "Yellitaare." This new film chronicles the phenomenon of forced marriages and the resulting spread of AIDS. Please contact Moussa at mouboc@yahoo.fr:

-- If you want to help Moussa attract donors who can fund his new film

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Please consider these opportunities to get involved. Even if you don't have the time or money to help right now, you may know someone who is able to do so. Please forward them this message and ask them to get in touch with Moussa.

I hope you have been as moved as I have by Moussa's work. Thank you.

A demain!

Sincerely,

Caroline