The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a dire humanitarian situation. Across Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, a staggering 7.5 million children are in urgent need of assistance, despite some advancements observed in areas such as health, education, and civil registration.
UNICEF urges global action for central Sahel
Following a 14-day mission to the area, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, highlighted that the crisis remains largely overlooked on the international stage.
He characterized the region as one where populations demonstrate remarkable resilience, yet face the persistent repercussions of insecurity, climate disruptions, and severe socio-economic challenges.
Mass displacement, rampant violence, and inaccessible schools
UNICEF data reveals that over 3.6 million individuals have been forced to flee escalating violence. The United Nations has also documented more than 1,500 grave violations against children, including killings, abductions, and recruitment by armed factions.
The crisis profoundly impacts education. By 2025, over 8,400 schools had become inaccessible, denying countless children their right to learn and leaving them vulnerable to illness, trauma, and extreme hardship.
