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Clair MacDougall is an independent journalist and writer, currently based in West Africa and covering the elections in Mali. Her recent work has focused on Liberia’s post-war construction and imperfect attempts to reconcile with its brutal past. Clair has reported on the Ebola outbreak and its aftermath for the past two years, contributing to the New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize winning coverage and earning her the Kurt Schork Memorial Fund Award. She has written about mercenaries, former warlords, justice for war crimes, government corruption, drug abuse, former female child soldiers, rebel combatants, women’s rights and social justice issues. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Vogue, Newsweek, Time, Smithsonian Magazine, Stern, Al Jazeera America and Foreign Policy and she has reported from West Africa, Uganda, India, rural Australia and the United States. She holds an honors degree in political theory and is a graduate of Columbia’s journalism school. She is a recent Great Lakes Reporting Fellow with the International Women's Media Foundation. She is available for assignments in West Africa and Africa. Her work can be seen at www.ckmacdougall.com
Portfolio
Burkina Faso’s Invisible War
Burkina Faso's press faces significant challenges in reporting on the ongoing conflict, with investigative journalists like Yacouba Ladji Bama facing intimidation and threats. The government, led by President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, has enacted restrictive laws that limit press freedom, aiming to control the narrative of the war against jihadists. Despite these challenges, journalists continue to report on military corruption and human rights abuses, often using anonymous sources and encrypted communication. The international community, including the United States and European Union, has yet to address these press freedom issues, despite their strategic interests in the region. The situation remains dire, with ongoing violence, displacement, and a lack of accurate information for the Burkinabé public.
Special Report: Burkina Faso’s Harsh Words for the UN but Praise for Itself
Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré criticized the United Nations for its perceived impotence and called for an expanded Security Council to better represent Africa. He praised Burkina Faso's military successes against jihadists and highlighted the country's sovereignty and regional cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States. Traoré also accused Ukraine of terrorism in Mali and emphasized the need for multilateralism that respects the sovereignty of member states. Despite the criticism, he expressed faith in the UN's potential to act in the interests of its members.
It Happened at the UN: Week Ending May 31
The article provides an overview of key events and developments at the United Nations for the week ending May 31, 2024. It highlights the ongoing efforts to establish a humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, involving multiple international stakeholders, amid challenges posed by Israeli blockades. The article also covers the UN's response to various global issues, including the condemnation of Israeli military actions in Gaza, the appointment of a new deputy executive secretary for climate change, and the renewal of the UN mission in Iraq. Additionally, it touches on the political implications of the US-led pier project in Gaza and the broader geopolitical context involving Iran and other regional players.
Troops Benefit From Their Roles, but Are Big Peacekeeping Ops Over?
The article explores the evolving landscape of UN peacekeeping missions, focusing on the experiences of African peacekeepers, particularly from Liberia, who have served in missions like Minusma in Mali. Despite the financial and professional benefits for troops, the effectiveness and future of such missions are questioned, as seen in the recent closure of Minusma and calls for the withdrawal of peacekeepers in other regions. The narrative highlights the complex emotions of peacekeepers who benefit from deployments but grapple with the missions' impact on local populations and their own roles in conflict zones.
Guyana, Leading the UN Security Council, Is Not Giving Up on a Ceasefire in Gaza
Guyana, under the leadership of Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, is committed to advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza as it assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council. Despite resistance from the United States, Guyana continues to push for humanitarian aid and peace. The article also discusses the appointment of Sigrid Kaag to oversee humanitarian relief in Gaza and the ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region, with tensions escalating due to Venezuela's actions. The International Court of Justice is involved in both the Gaza conflict and the Guyana-Venezuela dispute, with significant international implications.
Armenia Finds Piecemeal Help From the UN to Manage Azerbaijan's Aggression, It Says
Armenia is grappling with the aftermath of Azerbaijan's military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to the displacement of over 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The Armenian government has sought assistance from the UN, but the response has been fragmented and insufficient. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's peace plan faces significant challenges, including Azerbaijan's counterdemands and the lack of effective UN mediation. The conflict has strained Armenia's relations with Russia, pushing the country towards closer ties with Western nations. Despite international rulings and appeals, Azerbaijan continues to assert control over the region, with little consequence on the global stage. The situation remains volatile, with Armenia working to integrate refugees and rebuild its defense capabilities amid ongoing threats.
UNDP's New $1 Billion Fund Could Boost Africa's Tech Startups Globally
The United Nations Development Program has launched a $1 billion fund named Timbuktoo to support Africa's tech startups, aiming to invest in 10,000 startups over the next decade. The initiative, led by Eleni Gabre-Madhin, seeks to counteract the global decline in venture capital funding and attract both local and international investors. The fund, initially domiciled in Rwanda, aims to create significant economic impact and opportunities for Africa's youth. Key figures like Richmond Ogigai, Paul Kagame, and Benjamin Dada have expressed strong support, highlighting the potential for revitalizing Africa's startup ecosystem.
The World Court Rescues International Law From the Gaza Rubble
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to cease its military actions in Gaza, citing plausible allegations of genocide brought by South Africa. The court's ruling emphasizes the need to protect Palestinian civilians and uphold international law, marking a significant stance against impunity. The ICJ's decision includes six provisional measures aimed at preventing further harm and ensuring humanitarian aid. The ruling has been met with mixed reactions, with the United States dismissing the case as meritless, while the court's president highlighted the severe impact of Israel's military operations. The article underscores the importance of the ICJ's role in maintaining international law and calls for global adherence to its rulings.
It Happened at the UN: Week Ending Jan. 26
PassBlue's weekly UN summary includes Azerbaijan leading COP29, a garbage crisis in Gaza, and the US envoy's visit to Liberia. Sigrid Kaag, the new Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, began her role by meeting Israeli and Palestinian officials. The UN Security Council will hear her assessment on January 30. The International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must prevent harm to Palestinians in Gaza, a decision the US deems meritless. The UN is investigating allegations against UNRWA staff linked to terror attacks, with the US pausing funding. Raisedon Zenenga was appointed deputy special representative in Somalia. A proposal suggests electing a female UN General Assembly president every other year.
Gas tanker explosion kills more than 40 in Liberia
A gas tanker explosion in Liberia resulted in over 40 fatalities, with the death toll potentially rising due to 83 additional injuries. The incident occurred as people gathered to collect fuel from the overturned tanker before it exploded. The country's health minister, Wilhelmina Jallah, and other officials provided details on the casualties and the response. Liberia's economic challenges and recent presidential elections were also mentioned, highlighting the high cost of living as a significant issue. The United Nations was cited for Sub-Saharan Africa's poor road-safety record, and the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia was noted for receiving burn victims.
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