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Check FAQAbout Henry
Henry Wilkins is a British multimedia journalist renowned for his extensive coverage of The Sahel region of Africa. Based in the Mumbai region of India, Wilkins is HEFAT certified and has a diverse portfolio that includes creating content for television and radio, primarily for Voice of America. His expertise has also led him to appear on international networks such as BBC World Service, France 24, CBC Radio, and Al Jazeera. Wilkins's journalistic contributions extend to writing for prestigious outlets like The Economist, The Washington Post, Al Jazeera English, Reuters, BBC, The Atlantic, The Telegraph, The New Statesman, and Vice News. His photojournalism has been featured in many of these publications as well as in the British Journal of Photography, De Standaard, The New Internationalist, NME, and Vice. With a career that has seen him based in Burkina Faso and reporting from numerous countries including Israel and the Occupied Territories, the UK, France, Spain, Chad, Ivory Coast, Togo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Ivory Coast, and South Sudan, Wilkins has consistently covered security and humanitarian crises. His reporting has illuminated the transformation of wildlife reserves into battlegrounds, the complexities of democratic processes in places like Morocco, and the harsh realities of child labor in informal gold mines. Through his work, Wilkins has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to uncovering the multifaceted political, armed conflict, and social issues that shape West Africa and beyond.
English
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Portfolio
Sudanese Orphans in Chad Traumatized by Darfur Atrocities
Sudanese children in a refugee encampment in eastern Chad have been orphaned due to recent atrocities committed by Janjaweed militias in Darfur. These children are now left to fend for themselves in a foreign country with minimal support, as reported by Henry Wilkins.
Aid Groups: Rations Will Run Out as Sudanese Refugees Pour Into Chad
The United Nations is gearing up for a significant number of refugees, over 860,000, expected to escape the conflict in Sudan. Chad, a neighboring country, has already become a refuge for more than 30,000 people. However, humanitarian organizations are facing severe challenges due to the rapid increase in refugees and warn that without additional funding, they will be forced to halt their aid operations in Chad. Journalist Henry Wilkins provides an on-the-ground perspective from Koufroune, Chad, highlighting the dire situation and the urgent need for financial support to continue the aid efforts.
In March 2020, I profiled the prominent Burkinabe vigilante, Boureima Nadbanka, who had recently been accused of orchestrating the Yirgou Massacre, which killed as many as 200 people.
In January 2020, I worked as local producer on a documentary for Vice News and Showtime - ‘Terror in the Sahel’. With journalist Ben Anderson, I travelled to Burkina Faso’s north, set up interviews, found locations and greased the wheels of the whole prod
Growth in Burkina Faso Gold Mining Fuels Human Trafficking
An investigation into Burkina Faso's gold mining industry reveals a surge in human trafficking and sex work, particularly affecting Nigerian women lured under false job promises. Despite both Burkina Faso and Nigeria signing the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, a joint plan to combat trafficking is lacking. Burkina Faso's security sector is ill-equipped to address the issue, and the country serves as a transit point for trafficking into other nations. The U.S. State Department may downgrade Burkina Faso in its Trafficking in Persons Report, potentially leading to penalties. Burkina Faso's gold, largely sent to Switzerland and processed by Metalor Technologies, is also used in various industries, including technology. Small-scale mines, difficult to regulate, contribute to the problem. The EU's new law requires responsible sourcing of gold imports, highlighting Burkina Faso as high-risk. Victims of trafficking, like Blessing, seek an end to the exploitation and a return to their dreams.
How Deby’s death will affect the Sahel and beyond
The death of Chad's President Idriss Deby has caused uncertainty in Chad and the Sahel region, affecting both domestic stability and international security partnerships. Deby's military role was pivotal in the G5 Sahel alliance and Western military strategies against armed groups. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, has been appointed interim president, bypassing constitutional procedures. This has led to mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a coup. The situation in Chad is expected to have significant implications for regional security, with international partners like France and the US closely monitoring the developments.
The decline in conflict-related fatalities raises many questions
The article discusses the recent decline in conflict-related fatalities in Burkina Faso despite the constant number of violent attacks. It highlights the blockade of Djibo by armed groups and the tentative negotiations that have led to a decrease in violence. The decline in fatalities, as reported by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), is not attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic but possibly to negotiations and international military efforts, including France's Operation Barkhane. The article also touches on the controversial role of the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDPs) and the Koglweogo in the conflict, as well as the intra-jihadi conflict between ISGS and JNIM. The government's acknowledgment of negotiations is limited due to international pressure, particularly from military donors like France. The article suggests that the reduction in fatalities may not signify military success but an acceptance of the status quo, with armed groups maintaining control through less violent means.
How has Burkina Faso changed since the ‘insurrection’?
Since the 2014 insurrection that ended Blaise Compaore's 27-year rule, Burkina Faso has faced unfulfilled aspirations, including demands for term limits, freedom of expression, and better living conditions. The democratically elected government under President Roch Marc Kabore has made some progress in infrastructure and health, but a conflict originating from Mali has led to thousands of deaths, a humanitarian crisis, and over a million displaced people. Vigilante groups have emerged, and the government's heavy-handed approach may have exacerbated militancy. The upcoming elections face challenges with voter intimidation and registration issues in conflict-affected areas. Despite the turmoil, some, like hip-hop artist Serge Bambara, remain optimistic about the country's democratic gains and the involvement of youth in politics.
In Burkina Faso, voters left voiceless amid escalating violence
In Burkina Faso, escalating violence and displacement have left many voters, including Djeneba Sawadogo, unable to participate in the upcoming legislative and presidential elections. Islamist insurgents linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have intensified attacks, killing over 2,000 people in 2020 and displacing over one million. Nearly 7% of the electorate cannot access polling stations due to violence, and an unknown number lack identity documents to vote. President Roch Marc Kabore faces a tight re-election against opponents Zephirin Diabre and Eddie Komboigo, with his support base in the countryside significantly affected by the crisis. Despite the challenges, some, like 73-year-old Yompoco Ilboudo, have managed to register and plan to vote, emphasizing the importance of resolving the country's turmoil.
In Burkina Faso, voters left voiceless amid escalating violence
Burkina Faso Election Excludes Hundreds of Thousands of Displaced People
Burkina Faso's upcoming elections on November 22 will exclude over 400,000 displaced people due to armed conflict, as they have lost identification papers or were not offered registration. The government cites the impossibility of registering voters in areas controlled by armed groups. The Independent Electoral Commission is preparing for the election, while political analysts highlight the legitimacy challenges this exclusion poses. Displaced individuals like Fatoumata Ouedraogo, who now struggles to make a living, express a desire for change that would allow them to return home safely. The Sahel region has seen a growing terrorist insurgency since 2013, with international troops facing difficulties in combating it. Burkina Faso's security forces have been accused of civilian abuses, which may contribute to terrorist recruitment.
Surrounded by war, Burkinabe civilians have votes taken away
In Burkina Faso, over 400,000 people were unable to register for the November 22 presidential election due to security concerns in 17.4 percent of electoral communes affected by conflict involving government forces, international troops, and armed groups linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda. A new law passed on August 25 allows the election to proceed despite these challenges. The disenfranchisement could drive citizens towards armed groups, according to analysts. The incumbent government may gain a political advantage as the most dissatisfied areas are excluded from voting. The international community is expected to accept the election results, prioritizing counter-terrorism over democratic processes. Human rights violations by the Burkina Faso Defense and Security Forces have been reported, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Burkina Faso’s wildlife reserves have become a battle zone, overrun by militants and poachers
In Burkina Faso, wildlife reserves that were once tourist destinations are now battlegrounds due to the presence of extremists linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These militants have turned the parks into hideouts and areas for illegal poaching, leading to a significant increase in attacks in rural areas since 2016. This has caused a humanitarian crisis, with over a million people displaced. The conflict has also severely impacted tourism and endangered wildlife, with rangers and soldiers being targeted and killed. Park officials report that poaching has intensified, and conservation efforts are hindered, as evidenced by the disappearance of lions and the sale of lion hides in markets. Militants are believed to be taxing poachers for the right to operate in these areas, a tactic seen in other conflicts involving rebel groups.
In violence-hit Burkina Faso, love wins for interfaith couples
In Burkina Faso, a country experiencing conflict and religious tensions, interfaith marriages like that of Muslim Inoussa Bouda and Christian Alida Bouda are a testament to the nation's historical religious and ethnic tolerance. Despite initial family opposition, the Boudas' marriage thrives, symbolizing unity in a region where armed groups exploit divisions. Religious leaders, including Imam Bourima Drabo and Priest Joseph Clochard, actively support such unions through workshops, fostering dialogue and understanding. This approach aligns with recommendations from think-tanks like the International Crisis Group, which advocates for increased visibility and support for initiatives promoting religious tolerance.
Why African countries seek greater role in Libya peace process
African Union leaders are set to advocate for a greater role in resolving Libya's conflict at a summit in the Republic of the Congo. The meeting follows the Berlin conference, which aimed to establish a ceasefire and uphold a UN arms embargo. Libya has faced instability since Muammar Gaddafi's 2011 ousting, leading to rival governments and increased regional insecurity, particularly in the Sahel. Concerns over arms proliferation and the influence of armed groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL are driving the push for AU involvement. However, previous AU peace efforts have been unsuccessful, and the UN Security Council has not prioritized AU proposals. The situation is further complicated by differing perspectives among European countries and other stakeholders like Egypt.
France reaffirms Sahel presence but root cause of crisis unsolved
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a summit with leaders from five Sahelian countries to review military intervention in the region, amidst a worsening security situation. France committed an additional 220 troops and pledged to enhance intelligence-sharing and military coordination with the G5 Sahel nations. Despite this, analysts suggest that the summit failed to address political solutions to the crisis, which has resulted in over 4,000 deaths in 2019. The military strategy led by France, including the Barkhane force, has been criticized for failing to provide security and stability. The Algiers peace agreement's development targets remain unmet, and armed groups continue to exploit local poverty and divisions. The summit's outcomes are seen as unlikely to change the strategic situation in the Sahel.
Burkina Faso parliament member killed in Sahel region
Oumaru Dicko, a Burkinabe parliament member and deputy mayor of Djibo, was assassinated by an IED attack while traveling from Djibo to Ouagadougou. The attack, which has not been claimed by any group, is part of escalating violence in Burkina Faso since a 2015 coup. France is expanding its military operation into the region, and the G5 Sahel force seeks funding to combat armed violence. The assassination highlights the government's struggle to control violence in the north, where neglect and lack of infrastructure have fueled discontent. Dicko, known for his service to the people of Djibo, had refused military escorts due to his opposition party affiliation.
The Manchester Attack and the Difficulty of Prevention
A suicide bomber attacked an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, killing 22 and injuring 59. The attack, more sophisticated than previous ones, involved a network, with four arrests made. The bomber and the Westminster attacker were known to MI5 but not deemed imminent threats, highlighting the challenge of distinguishing real threats from false alarms. Despite increased security measures since the 7/7 attacks, the U.K. faces resource constraints in surveillance. The Manchester attack has paused campaigning for the U.K. general election, potentially affecting perceptions of the Conservative government's security record.
Elections in Morocco
In the Moroccan elections held on October 7th, the incumbent Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) criticized his rivals from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), accusing them of being bandits and questioning their integrity. Despite perceived royal interference and a media bias in favor of the opposition, the PJD managed to secure a victory, increasing its parliamentary seats from 107 to 125. However, forming a government will be challenging as the PJD's former coalition partners have either lost seats or are unwilling to align with them again. Voter turnout was low, particularly among the urban youth, reflecting a sense of disenfranchisement and skepticism about the democratic process. The PJD's next steps in government remain to be seen, with the potential to push for more democratic reforms following the 2011 pro-democracy protests.
Female Refugees Are Being Forced to Sell Sex to Survive Southern Africa’s Drought
Southern Africa's severe drought has led to extreme food insecurity, forcing women in refugee camps to engage in survival sex to feed themselves and their children. At Malawi's Dzaleka refugee camp, the World Food Programme's ration cuts and a lack of UNHCR funds have exacerbated the situation. Women like Liziuzayani Kachingwe and Jetta Botende have resorted to transactional sex as a last resort. Plan International has seen a reduction in survival sex and gender-based violence after temporarily restoring food rations. However, the crisis persists, with a need for $38 million to address the situation in Malawi alone, and women continue to suffer disproportionately.
The last private investigator in London
Private investigators in London are adapting to changes in their industry, with traditional fieldwork giving way to office-based research. Paul Hawkes, who runs Research Associates in Notting Hill, and Richard Martinez, founder of Expedite Detective Agency in Croydon, discuss the evolving nature of their work and the tools they use, such as spy pens. The industry faces challenges such as misconceptions about their role and the impact of technology on their methods. Paul Champion, president of the Association of British Investigators, notes a decline in marital investigations. Steve Finlay of Finlay's Bureau of Investigation in Crystal Palace runs his business to support his mother's pension, despite a lack of personal interest in the field.
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