Rachel Chason, the West Africa bureau chief for The Washington Post, details her complex reporting experiences across the Sahel over two and a half years. Through extensive travel, she covered dramatic political changes, including coups and the growing influence of foreign fighters. Despite increased restrictions for foreign journalists, Chason and photographer Carmen Yasmine Abd Ali conducted multiple interviews and worked to navigate dangerous conditions. Their commitment to bringing local narratives to light highlights the resilience of the people striving for a better future amidst escalating violence and governmental repression.
As The Washington Post's West Africa bureau chief based in Senegal, I've reported from nine countries across the Sahel over the past 2½ years.
Despite the challenges, Carmen and I were able to spend hours, and often days, with six people waging a battle - each in their own way - for the future of the Sahel.
For another story in this project, we hunkered down at a local journalist's home to conduct our interviews, figuring that would be the best way to remain below the radar.
We carefully weighed the risks of attack and kidnapping before traveling hundreds of miles outside Burkina Faso's capital.
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