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West Africa was and is a beautiful land rich in resources. But the wealth has always tempted competing powers throughout history, from the chiefdoms of 2500 years ago, to the European powers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Much of West Africa was claimed by France in the 19th century, with parts also being claimed by Spain, Britain, Belgium, Portugal and Germany.
In the mid 20th century as the western powers declined, West African countries gradually gained their independence, some peacefully and some violently. But the century was to bring many other problems; natural disasters, more greed and war as factions vied for power. Peace and violence, wealth and poverty, wisdom and ignorance live side by side.
The International DOVE team believes that we can make a difference in some of the worst hit regions of West Africa. We want to connect you with the people in West Africa, so that together we can touch one life at a time!
Let's take a closer look at International DOVE's current focus, the country of Sierra Leone.