The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian emergency. Across Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, an estimated 7.5 million children are in urgent need of aid. This critical situation persists despite some advancements observed in health, education, and civil registration services.
UNICEF urges global action for Sahel’s children
Following a 14-day mission to the area, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, raised concerns about a crisis that remains largely overlooked on the international stage.
He characterized the region as one where populations demonstrate remarkable resilience, yet concurrently suffer from the enduring consequences of pervasive insecurity, escalating climate disruptions, and profound socio-economic challenges.
Forced displacement, violence, and school closures
According to data compiled by UNICEF, over 3.6 million individuals have been forcibly displaced due to ongoing violence. The United Nations has also documented more than 1,500 severe violations against children, encompassing killings, abductions, and recruitment by armed factions.
The crisis has also profoundly impacted the education sector. By 2025, over 8,400 schools have become inaccessible, thereby denying countless children their right to learn and increasing their vulnerability to illness, psychological trauma, and destitution.
