Sam Mednick

Sam Mednick

Sam Mednick is a Devex Contributing Reporter based in Burkina Faso. Over the past 15 years she has reported on conflict, post-conflict, and development stories from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. She recently spent almost three years reporting on the conflict in South Sudan as the Associated Press correspondent. Her work has also appeared in The New Humanitarian, VICE, The Guardian, Foreign Policy, and Al Jazeera, among others.

Latest Articles

Violence soars in a corner of DRC that donors seem to have 'forgotten'

Violence soars in a corner of DRC that donors seem to have 'forgotten'

about 3 years ago // Conflict

Since November violence has resurged in Djugu territory in central Ituri, displacing tens of thousands of people and fueling a dire humanitarian crisis that’s been met with an inadequate humanitarian response, aid workers and locals said.

Inside one of the last emergency clinics in eastern Ukraine

Inside one of the last emergency clinics in eastern Ukraine

over 3 years ago // Ukraine

Paramedics, like Olga Bashey, travel between hospitals on the front lines trying to save as many lives as they can as Russia's assault on Ukraine continues.

People with disabilities left behind during the war in Ukraine

People with disabilities left behind during the war in Ukraine

over 3 years ago // Ukraine

A disconnect between people with disabilities and organizations that can provide assistance, gaps in information, and a lack of resources have made it harder for them to seek safety, evacuate their homes, and get medical care.

Ukraine farmers on the front lines of a war fueling global food crisis

Ukraine farmers on the front lines of a war fueling global food crisis

over 3 years ago // Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has created an unprecedented global food crisis with farmers unable to cultivate or move their grains out of the country — and hunger also growing domestically.

Jihadi violence is pushing more people to starvation in Burkina Faso

Jihadi violence is pushing more people to starvation in Burkina Faso

over 3 years ago // Food Systems

Burkina Faso is facing its hungriest year since violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State Group began ravaging the country six years ago, according to the U.N.

What aid groups need to consider when distributing cash aid in Ukraine

What aid groups need to consider when distributing cash aid in Ukraine

almost 4 years ago // Ukraine

Aid groups have begun distributing cash aid in Ukraine and while it is being peddled as the most effective response, aid workers said the conflict’s volatility and market unpredictability mean it might not be the best solution for everyone.

Attacks on religious freedoms and human rights abuses soar in Ukraine

Attacks on religious freedoms and human rights abuses soar in Ukraine

almost 4 years ago // Ukraine

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its second month, attacks on religious freedoms as well as human rights abuses are escalating, with accusations that soldiers are committing war crimes.

Pregnant women struggle to access medical care on Ukraine's front lines

Pregnant women struggle to access medical care on Ukraine's front lines

almost 4 years ago // Ukraine

One month into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, access to medical care is becoming increasingly cut off — with pregnant people particularly at risk.

Is it time to redefine an ‘unsustainable’ aid system in South Sudan?

Is it time to redefine an ‘unsustainable’ aid system in South Sudan?

almost 4 years ago // Foreign Aid

As needs increase, funds are cut and donor fatigue sets in, there’s concern among the humanitarian community that the current model of assistance is not sustainable and could potentially be creating unintended negative consequences for the population of South Sudan.

Can development help stop child soldier recruitment in Burkina Faso?

Can development help stop child soldier recruitment in Burkina Faso?

about 4 years ago // Sahel Crisis

Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment are driving the youth in Burkina Faso into joining armed groups. The solution requires more than preventive messaging.