Situation Report: Humanitarian Crisis in the Sahel (Nov 2024)

Overview

The Sahel region is experiencing one of the most severe and rapidly growing humanitarian crises globally. Armed conflicts, climate change, and political instability have combined to displace millions, disrupt essential services, and exacerbate food insecurity. Central Sahel countries — Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — are the most affected, with ripple effects across neighbouring regions like Mauritania and Chad.

Key Statistics

• Displacement: Over 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 4.2 million displaced overall.
• Food Insecurity: Approximately 17 million people require food assistance, driven by agricultural disruption, rising food prices, and degraded ecosystems.
• Children in Crisis: Over 10 million children are in dire need of humanitarian aid.
• Education: Nearly 8,400 schools and 470 health facilities are non-operational due to insecurity.

Country Focus

Mali:

• Persistent violence in the north, center, and east has led to new waves of displacement.
• Aid agencies face significant challenges, including limited access and security concerns.
• Over 6.3 million people received assistance in 2023, but funding shortfalls continue.

Burkina Faso:

• Nearly 2.2 million IDPs have been recorded, representing a significant portion of the population.
• Aid delivery is hindered by reliance on costly air transport due to inaccessible regions.

Niger:

• Border closures and political unrest have hampered humanitarian supply chains.
• The country faces compounding challenges of sanctions, food insecurity, and displacement.

Climate Impact

The Sahel is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures, severe droughts, and floods exacerbating resource scarcity and food insecurity. These factors intensify competition over dwindling resources, fuelling conflict and displacement.

Challenges

• Insecurity: Armed groups and violent extremists disrupt aid efforts and displace populations.
• Underfunding: Only one-third of the required funds for 2024 humanitarian appeals have been secured.
• Access Restrictions: Remote and dangerous regions limit humanitarian reach.
• Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls face heightened risks in displaced settings.

Humanitarian Response

Despite obstacles, international and local partners delivered food, healthcare, and protection to millions in 2023. Plans for 2024 aim to reach 21 million people with life-saving assistance across six countries, requiring $4.7 billion in funding.

Recommendations

• Funding: Full donor support for the 2024 humanitarian response plans is critical.
• Integrated Strategies: Linking humanitarian aid with resilience building and sustainable development is necessary to break the cycle of crises.
• Community Involvement: Greater collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of aid efforts.

Conclusion

The Sahel crisis requires urgent and coordinated international action to address immediate humanitarian needs and invest in long-term stability. Without significant and sustained support, the situation is likely to worsen, threatening millions of lives and the region's fragile stability.