Poilão Island in Guinea-Bissau, a major hatching site for green sea turtles, faces challenges in attracting tourists due to its remote location and limited infrastructure. The island, part of the Bijagós archipelago and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is considered sacred and has strict conservation measures. Efforts are underway to increase tourism, with support from UNESCO for World Heritage status, which could enhance visibility and protection. Local conservationists and officials emphasize the importance of balancing tourism with environmental preservation, highlighting the unique cultural and ecological aspects of the region.

Poilão Island in the Bijagós archipelago, a UNESCO biosphere reserve off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is a major hatching site for green sea turtles. Despite its natural allure, the island's remote location and Guinea-Bissau's limited infrastructure pose significant challenges for tourism development. The country's tourism minister, Alberto Demba Touré, acknowledges these challenges but sees potential in increasing tourist visits. UNESCO's support for the islands to seek World Heritage List status could enhance visibility and environmental protections, potentially boosting tourism.

Poilão Island in Guinea-Bissau, a major hatching site for green sea turtles, faces challenges in attracting tourists due to its remote location and limited infrastructure. The island, part of the Bijagós archipelago and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is considered sacred, with no construction allowed. Efforts are underway to increase tourism, supported by UNESCO's backing for World Heritage status, which could enhance visibility and environmental protections. The local community, led by matriarchal priestesses, emphasizes conservation to maintain ecological balance. Despite logistical hurdles, the island offers unique wildlife experiences, with conservation programs ensuring the survival of thousands of turtle hatchlings each year.

Senegal is experiencing significant civil unrest driven by political and economic instability. Predominantly young protesters are facing forceful responses from an increasingly militarized police force.

Senegal, typically seen as stable, is facing civil unrest due to high youth unemployment and civil rights clampdowns. Protests have escalated with militarized police and hired armed men, known as nervis, using excessive force. Amnesty Senegal reports 23 deaths and nearly 400 injuries, with many victims under 30. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's acquittal on rape charges has not eased tensions, as other charges threaten his presidential candidacy. The government has restricted social media and internet access, and President Macky Sall has called for an investigation into the violence. Interior Minister Antoine Diom defends the professionalism of the security forces. The unrest has left individuals like Omar, a mobile phone repairman shot during protests, uncertain about their future and the country's direction.

Senegal, typically seen as stable, is experiencing civil unrest due to high youth unemployment and civil rights clampdowns. Protests escalated after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was accused of corrupting youth and faced rape charges, which he was acquitted of. However, other charges could prevent him from running in the presidential elections. Amnesty Senegal reported at least 23 deaths and nearly 400 injuries during protests, with police using excessive force and armed men in plain clothes, known as nervis, allegedly hired by the state. The government has restricted social media and internet access, and the Interior Minister claims the security forces are professional. The unrest has left many, like Omar, a mobile phone repairman who was shot and may face paralysis, uncertain about their future and the country's direction.

Senegal, typically seen as stable, is experiencing civil unrest due to high youth unemployment and civil rights clampdowns. Protests escalated after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was accused of corrupting youth and faced rape charges, which he was acquitted of. However, other charges could prevent him from running in the presidential elections. Amnesty Senegal reported at least 23 deaths and nearly 400 injuries during protests, with police using excessive force and armed men in plain clothes, known as nervis, allegedly hired by the state. The government has restricted social media and internet access, and President Macky Sall has called for an investigation into the violence. Interior Minister Antoine Diom insists the security forces are professional, despite allegations of using a child as a human shield. The unrest has left individuals like Omar, injured by a bullet, uncertain about their future and the country's direction.

Senegal, typically seen as stable, is facing civil unrest due to high youth unemployment and civil rights clampdowns. Protests escalated after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was accused of corrupting youth and faced trial for rape. Amnesty Senegal reported at least 23 deaths and nearly 400 injuries during protests, with many victims under 30. The police and hired armed men in plain clothes, known as nervis, are accused of using excessive force. The government has restricted social media and internet access, and President Macky Sall has called for an investigation into the violence. Interior Minister Antoine Diom insists the security forces are professional. The future for injured protesters like Omar, who can no longer work, and for Senegal remains uncertain.

Senegal, typically seen as stable, is facing civil unrest due to high youth unemployment and civil rights clampdowns. Protests have escalated with militarized police responding with excessive force, resulting in at least 23 deaths and nearly 400 injuries. The unrest was sparked by charges against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, which protesters believe are politically motivated to prevent him from running in presidential elections. The government has restricted social media and internet access, and Amnesty Senegal reports the involvement of armed men in plain clothes, known as nervis, in the crackdown. Interior Minister Antoine Diom denies misuse of force by police. The situation has left individuals like Omar, injured during protests, uncertain about their future and the country's direction.

Senegal, typically seen as stable, is experiencing civil unrest due to high youth unemployment and civil rights clampdowns. Protests escalated after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was accused of corrupting youth and faced charges that could bar him from elections. Amnesty Senegal reported 23 deaths and nearly 400 injuries during protests, with police using excessive force and armed men in plain clothes. The government restricted social media and internet access, and called for an investigation into the violence. Interior Minister Antoine Diom defended the security forces' professionalism. The unrest has left individuals like Omar, injured during protests, uncertain about their future.