According to the Rapid Response Operational Coordination Group (GCORR), approximately 37,000 households have been displaced following 48 reported displacement alerts. This marks a significant 92% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, 2024.

In May alone, GCORR documented nearly 41,000 individuals impacted by 12 displacement alerts across the country, underscoring the rapid deterioration of the situation.

The Boucle du Mouhoun region has borne the brunt of this crisis, with over 106,000 people displaced, including more than 65,000 children, across 13 localities such as Dédougou, Di, and Tougan. This region alone accounts for 45% of all internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Urgent humanitarian needs mount

The overarching security landscape in Burkina Faso remains volatile, characterized by persistent attacks in the Sahel, Nord, Centre-Nord, Est, Centre-Est, and Boucle du Mouhoun regions. These assaults have targeted national defense and security forces, Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), and local communities.

UNICEF reports that these widespread acts of violence have generated immense humanitarian needs across all sectors. The most critical requirements include emergency shelter, food security, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, protection for vulnerable populations, and educational continuity.

In response to this escalating crisis, numerous organizations have stepped up to support those already on the ground. Despite ongoing efforts, substantial needs persist, requiring sustained and increased aid.

Regarding nutrition, over 10,000 children nationwide were admitted for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment in April. More than half of these cases originated from regions severely affected by jihadist violence, including Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord, Est, Sahel, and Centre-Nord.

Combating severe acute malnutrition

From January to April, over 36,000 children received treatment for SAM, with more than 20,000 of them residing in insecure areas. By the end of May, a total of 179,000 people—representing 28% of the 1.3 million individuals in need—had been treated for acute malnutrition. This figure included over 25,000 children, with more than 8,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

More broadly, the worsening security situation significantly hampers humanitarian operations. It restricts access to affected populations, heightens operational risks for aid workers, and exacerbates the assistance needs of those impacted by the violence.

Following recent attacks in the Est and Sahel regions, vital local infrastructure, particularly in health, education, water supply, and administration, has been destroyed, further compounding the crisis.

Djibo under jihadist blockade

Among the hardest-hit areas is the city of Djibo, located in the Soum province of northern Burkina Faso. Its entire population, estimated at approximately 48,000 individuals (comprising both displaced persons and host communities), has been severely affected since December 2024, as the city has been under a jihadist blockade, preventing resupply.

UNICEF is implementing various programs in Djibo through its local partners, focusing on critical areas such as water, sanitation, and hygiene, education, child protection, health, and nutrition to alleviate the suffering.

Humanitarian workers, much like the affected communities they serve, face immense dangers, including the risk of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and kidnappings. Beyond the challenges of access, a critical shortage of resources remains a significant hurdle, severely impacting the capacity to deliver effective responses in the insecurity-stricken regions, as emphasized by UNICEF.