Data from the Rapid Response Operational Coordination Group (GCORR) indicates that approximately 37,000 households have been displaced following 48 separate displacement alerts. This figure marks a significant 92% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

Specifically in May, GCORR recorded nearly 41,000 individuals affected by 12 displacement alerts spanning various regions of the country.

The Boucle du Mouhoun region bears the brunt of this crisis, accounting for 45% of all internally displaced persons. Over 106,000 people, including more than 65,000 children, have sought refuge across 13 localities within the region, such as Dédougou, Di, and Tougan.

considerable humanitarian needs emerge

The overall security landscape in Burkina Faso is continually challenged by persistent attacks across the Sahel, Nord, Centre-Nord, Est, Centre-Est, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions. These assaults have targeted both the Defense and Security Forces, the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and local communities.

According to UNICEF, this wave of violence has created “considerable” humanitarian needs across all sectors. The most critical requirements include emergency shelters, food security, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as protection and education services.

In response to this deepening crisis, numerous organizations have stepped in to support those already providing aid on the ground. However, despite ongoing efforts, substantial unmet needs persist.

Nutritionally, over 10,000 children nationwide received treatment for severe acute malnutrition in April. More than half of these cases originated from regions severely impacted by jihadist violence, including Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord, Est, Sahel, and Centre-Nord.

severe acute malnutrition: a growing concern

From January through April, a total of over 36,000 children were admitted for malnutrition treatment, with more than 20,000 of them residing in insecure areas.

By the end of May, 179,000 individuals – representing 28% of the 1.3 million people requiring assistance – had received treatment for acute malnutrition. This group included over 25,000 children, with more than 8,000 of them suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

More broadly, the worsening security situation significantly hampers humanitarian operations. It restricts access to affected populations, elevates operational risks for aid workers, and consequently increases the assistance needs of vulnerable communities.

Attacks in the Est and Sahel regions have led to the destruction of vital local infrastructure, particularly in the health, education, water, and administrative sectors.

djibo: a town under jihadist blockade

Among the severely impacted areas is Djibo, located in the Soum province of northern Burkina Faso. Its entire population, an estimated 48,000 individuals including both displaced persons and host communities, is suffering. The town has been under a blockade, with no supplies reaching it since December 2024.

Through its local partners, UNICEF is actively implementing various programs in Djibo, focusing on crucial areas such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education, child protection, health, and nutrition.

Humanitarian workers, much like the affected populations they serve, face significant threats, including the risk of improvised explosive devices and abductions. UNICEF emphasized that beyond access challenges, a critical shortage of resources poses another major hurdle, severely impacting the capacity to respond effectively in insecurity-stricken regions.