Striking stories from Canada, Guinea, and Mali

This week we’re going to take a look at some of the very best stories told by our Observers. The images you are about to see are often shaky and shot in poor resolution, because they’re filmed with mobile phones - but they capture important moments, which are narrated by those who lived them.

STORY 1: Canada

For several months, students in Quebec hit the streets to protest against a rise in university fees. They regularly clashed with police – sometimes quite violently. On May 5, a young man was severely injured by a police officer.

Was it an unfortunate mistake? Our Observer William Ray, who filmed the scene, thinks not…

STORY 2: Guinea

The ground underneath the forests of Guinea is brimming with minerals. This of course attracts lots of mining companies, who extract bauxite and gold. But the incessant back and forth of these companies’ trucks is driving the local population crazy. Our Observer Caleb Colié tells us why.

STORY 3: Mali

Since March, northern Mali has come under the control of armed separatists and radical Islamists. Residents of the country’s capital are hoping the military will soon intervene. But since Mali’s army remains weak and disorganised, some have decided to take matters into their own hands. Civilians have started their own training camp. The goal: to go win back the country’s north. Our Observer Boubacar Alkouraichi visited a football field in Bamako where these training sessions take place.