Tinariwen and Andy Morgan have brought to our attention an appeal to help relieve some of the problems caused by severe droughts in the Adagh region of Northern Mali, an area our listeners will be familiar with through the music of Toureg bands Tinariwen, Toumast and Tamikrest. Read the full story and find out how you can help.

Friends of Tinariwen and the Sahara – We need your help!

A severe drought is devastating pastures and animal stocks in the Adagh region of northeastern Mali, home to well known Touareg bands Tinariwen, Terakaft and Tamekrist.

Animals, on which the pastoral Touareg nomads depend for their livelihoods, are dying in their hundreds. Fights are breaking out around the few wells that are still providing water, leaving a number of wounded. Some are even saying that the drought is as bad as the one that laid waste to the region between 1973 and 1975, and brought about tragic and irreversible changes to Touareg nomad life.

THIS IS AN APPEAL FOR DONATIONS to help alleviate the suffering the people of the Adagh. The smallest contribution can help to buy food for livestock and eventually replace some of the animals which have died.

All monies received from donations will be distributed to the worse-affected families in the Adagh region. Responsibility for the distribution of funds has been entrusted to Rousmane AG ASSILAKEN, a friend and associate living in Kidal who is universally respected and trusted. He will be working with the mayors and village councils of Tessalit, Aguelhoc and Abeibara to make sure that the money is effectively and fairly distributed.

IT COSTS:
€14 (£12 / $18) to buy 50 KG of Livestock Feed.
€30 (£26 / $40) to buy a replacement goat.

All details for paypal and how to donate are available on the APPEAL WEBSITE