This figure represents a two-thirds increase in displacement over the past five years, with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger the epicenter of overlapping humanitarian crises.
“Across the central Sahel, people are being driven from their homes by violence, insecurity and the devastating effects of climate change.» said Abdouraouf Gnon-Kondé, regional director for West and Central Africa at the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).
“Women and children make up 80 percent of the displaced population, and the protection risks they face – from gender-based violence to trafficking and forced recruitment – are worsening. »
U.N. reports on the region note that entire communities have been emptied in Burkina Faso, northern Mali and western Niger as violence between armed groups, intercommunal clashes and military activity spread.
Growing insecurity and restricted access
Most displaced families remain in their countries, but cross-border movements are becoming more frequent as insecurity spreads and livelihoods collapse.
“These subsequent moves highlight the urgent need to expand assistance and allow people to stay closer to home,» said Mr Gnon-Kondé, warning that families are under increasing pressure as basic services collapse.
Insecurity, he warned, has forced the closure of more than 14,800 schools across the region, leaving three million children without access to learning or safe spaces.
More than 900 health facilities have also closed their doors, depriving millions of people of essential care.
Communities in the Sahel face acute food insecurity due to extreme weather conditions. Pictured here, farmers in Niger are trying to reclaim degraded land.
Hunger drives displacement
Food insecurity has become a growing driver of flight, with the proportion of displaced people citing hunger as the main reason for their departure doubling in recent years.
The situation has been described by humanitarians as a chronic food emergency. Estimates indicate that more than 32 million people across the Sahel need humanitarian assistance and protection – many of these are urgent food and nutritional interventions.
Agriculture and livestock breeding have also been affected by the constant displacement of families and harsh climatic conditions.
“Climate-related shocks further amplify risks, intensifying competition for scarce natural resources such as land and water,” said Mr. Gnon-Kondé.
This not only fuels further displacement, but also strains social cohesion.
Funding gap threatens essential services
The UNHCR said humanitarian access and funding have reached a breaking point. Its appeal for $409.7 million for 2025 to cover the needs of the Sahel is only 32 percent funded, forcing cuts to registration, accommodation, education and health programs.
The broader $2.1 billion humanitarian appeal for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – which encompasses all sectors – tells a similar story, with only 19 percent funded so far.
The UNHCR called for “renewed international engagement” in the region, warning that the crisis will only worsen without sustained support.
“Protecting millions of displaced families and ensuring a more secure future requires more than words,” said Mr. Gnon-Kondé. “This requires unified and sustained action and true solidarity with the Sahel. »
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
