Skip to main content
Welcome to the United Nations
Language:
  • العربية
  • 中文
  • English
  • Français
  • Русский
  • Español
  • Português
  • Kiswahili
  • Other
    • Hindi हिंदी
    • Global
United Nations
UN News
Global perspective Human stories

Search the United Nations

Advanced Search
  • Home
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • UN Art and Gifts
    • History Corner
  • Topics
    • Peace and Security
    • Economic Development
    • Humanitarian Aid
    • Climate and Environment
    • Human Rights
    • UN Affairs
    • Women
    • Law and Crime Prevention
    • Health
    • Culture and Education
    • SDGs
    • Migrants and Refugees
  • In depth
    • Interviews
    • Features
    • Photo Stories
    • News in Brief
    • The Lid is On
    • UN Gender Focus
    • UN and Africa
    • UN Podcasts
  • Secretary-General
    • Spokesperson
    • All Statements
    • Selected Speeches
    • Press Encounters
    • Official Travels
  • Media
    • UN Video
    • UN Photo
    • Meeting Coverage
    • Media Accreditation
    • Webtv
  • Home
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • UN Art and Gifts
    • History Corner
  • Topics
    • Peace and Security
    • Economic Development
    • Humanitarian Aid
    • Climate and Environment
    • Human Rights
    • UN Affairs
    • Women
    • Law and Crime Prevention
    • Health
    • Culture and Education
    • SDGs
    • Migrants and Refugees
  • In depth
    • Interviews
    • Features
    • Photo Stories
    • News in Brief
    • The Lid is On
    • UN Gender Focus
    • UN and Africa
    • UN Podcasts
  • Secretary-General
    • Spokesperson
    • All Statements
    • Selected Speeches
    • Press Encounters
    • Official Travels
  • Media
    • UN Video
    • UN Photo
    • Meeting Coverage
    • Media Accreditation
    • Webtv
 

Subscribe

Audio Hub

Malian singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré.
Andy Boyle
Malian singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré.

Mali maestro’s message of peace to Sahel region’s youngsters drawn to extremism

14 October 2021
Humanitarian Aid

An ambitious project to raise awareness about rising insecurity and mass displacement in the Sahel has resulted in an original musical score from Mali songwriter Vieux Farka Touré. 

In partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Mr. Toure’s A Song For The Sahel, highlights the crisis in many countries of the region, while also spotlighting its rich musical heritage.

Mali songwriter Vieux Farka Touré spoke to UN News about his brand new composition, A Song For The Sahel. Full story here: https://t.co/OtsneuyuTI @UNOCHA @UNGeneva pic.twitter.com/fuPpvBT2Rp

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) October 14, 2021

In an exclusive interview with UN News, the respected musician described how he no longer felt comfortable driving across the country to perform, as he used to do. Malians now “sleep with one eye open”, he said, in reference to the insurgency led by extremists, who have taken advantage of the lack of opportunities for the country’s youngsters.

“The youth must show courage, strength and fight against this crisis,” he said. “Peace and solidarity are the tools. If peace is built now, our children tomorrow will thrive."

"Music is a fantastic tool to share messages. Sharing awareness is of paramount importance. It has a strong impact on what happens in our countries.”

Fast growing emergency

The Sahel crisis is one of the world’s fastest-growing emergencies. According to OCHA, this year, almost 29 million people need life-saving assistance and protection, that’s five million more people than last year.

Amid this fast-deteriorating humanitarian situation, the UN agency has warned that people’s vulnerability has increased owing to escalating conflict, rising food insecurity, multiplying climate emergencies and the pandemic.

OCHA’s hope, nonetheless, is that The Song for the Sahel will provide a little hope for all those who need assistance there today.

“This song celebrates the persistent resilience, generosity, solidarity and strength that Sahelians continue to display despite the crisis that surrounds them, as well as their vibrant music and cultural heritage,” said Bounena Sidi Mouhamed, Deputy Head of UN OCHA’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa.

 

♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic.
♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices.
 
Sahel Region|mali|music|humanitarian aid

LISTEN TO UN RADIO

    Related Stories

    A mother and her baby at the IDP Pissila campsite in Burkina Faso.

    ‘Three-country crisis’ across central Sahel puts whole generation at risk, warns UN food agency

    Displaced people wait in line for food distribution in Gorom-Gorom, Burkina Faso.

    Africa’s Sahel region facing ‘horrendous food crisis’

    Amarcia, is one of the 1.5 million people who have been displaced in Niger by conflict in the central Sahel region.

    Mali’s withdrawal from G5 Sahel, Joint Force ‘a setback’ for the region 

    News Tracker: Past Stories on This Issue

    Displaced women prepare food at an informal camp in Bagoundié, Mali.

    FROM THE FIELD: Humanitarian crises of concern in 2021

    27 February 2021
    Humanitarian Aid

    The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated much of the world’s attention over the last 12 months, but many other crises will continue to require the urgent attention of the UN and the international community in 2021.

    Women plant seeds while taking part in a Sahelian plant and reforestation project in Niger.

    Secretary-General underscores need for peace and stability in Africa’s Sahel region

    16 February 2021
    Peace and Security

    The UN Secretary-General has underlined his concern for Africa’s Sahel region, where deteriorating security and violence are aggravating an already difficult humanitarian situation that is unfolding amid the COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency. 

    Resources

    • Navigate the News
    • Information for Broadcasters
    • UN System Links
    • Media Alert
    • UN Journal
    • Meetings Coverage
    • Audiovisual Library

    Secretary-General

    • All Statements
    • Official Travels
    • Press Encounters
    • SG Twitter

    Spokesperson's Office

    • Latest Statements
    • Briefing Highlights
    • Briefing Transcripts
    • Notes to Correspondents

    Find Us

    • UN News App
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS
    • Contact UN News
    United Nations
    Donate
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Soundcloud
    • Podcast
    • UN Social Media
    • A-Z Site Index
    • Copyright
    • FAQ
    • Fraud Alert
    • Privacy Notice
    • Terms of Use
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Soundcloud
    • Podcast
    • The UN on Social Media