Substance

The emergence of kush, a synthetic concoction derived primarily from marshmallow leaves, marks a troubling chapter in West Africa's battle against substance abuse. First surfacing in Sierra Leone during the early 2020s, this alarming trend quickly gained traction, infiltrating neighboring nations such as Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. What drives this rapid proliferation? Is it the ease of production or the allure of a cheap high that beckons many into its addictive embrace? Initially, kush might…

Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives…

Community elders and religious leaders in Guriel are raising awareness about the hazards of drug abuse. (Photo by Abdirisak Hajirow/Ergo)(ERGO) – In Somalia's Galgadud region, rural pastoralists face a worrying surge in Tramadol misuse, prompting concern among community leaders.The concerning rise in drug abuse, impacting crime and societal stability, is particularly alarming even among traditional communities, say authorities.Radio Ergo caught up with Abdinasir Ali Abdulle from Guriel, who's seen his world unravel due to…