In Africa’s Sahel, conflict and climate change are driving millions of people from their homes

This figure represents a two-thirds increase in the number of displaced people in the past five years, with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger at the epicenter of overlapping humanitarian emergencies.

“In 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 UN 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 human trafficking and forced recruitment – ​​are increasing.”

According to UN reports from the region, entire communities have been emptied in Burkina Faso, northern Mali and western Niger as violence between armed groups, communal clashes and military activities spread.

Increasing insecurity and decreasing access

Most displaced families remain in their countries, but cross-border movements are becoming more common as insecurity spreads and livelihoods collapse.

“These ongoing moves highlight the urgent need to expand assistance and enable people to stay closer to home.Mr Gnon-Kondé warned that families are coming under increasing pressure as basic services fail.

The insecurity, he warned, has led to 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 care facilities have also closed, leaving millions of people without access to essential care.

Hunger drives displacement

Food insecurity has become an increasing driver of flight, with the share 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 famine emergency. Estimates indicate that more than 32 million people in the wider Sahel need humanitarian assistance and protection – many of which are urgent food and nutrition interventions.

Agriculture and livestock farming have also been affected by families constantly on the move and harsh weather conditions.

“Climate-related shocks further increase risks, increasing competition over scarce natural resources such as land and water,” said Mr Gnon-Kondé.

This not only leads to new displacement, but also puts pressure on social cohesion.

The funding gap threatens crucial services

UNHCR said access and financing of humanitarian aid have reached a breaking point. The 2025 appeal for $409.7 million to meet needs in the Sahel is only 32 percent funded, necessitating cuts to registration, shelter, education and health care programs.

The broader $2.1 billion humanitarian appeal for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – covering all sectors – tells a similar story: only 19 percent has been funded so far.

UNHCR called for a “renewed international commitment” to the region, warning that the crisis will only worsen without sustained support.

“Protecting millions of displaced families and securing a more secure future requires more than words,” said Mr Gnon-Kondé. “It requires united, sustained action and real solidarity with the Sahel.”