The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a profound humanitarian emergency. Across Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, an estimated 7.5 million children are in dire need of immediate aid, despite some advancements in public health, education, and civil registration services.
UNICEF urges global attention for the Central Sahel
Following a two-week assessment mission to the area, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, issued a stark warning regarding the crisis, emphasizing its insufficient recognition on the international stage.
He observed a region characterized by the remarkable resilience of its inhabitants, yet simultaneously devastated by persistent insecurity, the profound effects of climate change, and significant socio-economic hardships.
Escalating displacement, violence, and educational disruption
Figures released by UNICEF reveal that over 3.6 million individuals have been forced to abandon their homes to escape escalating violence. Furthermore, the United Nations has documented more than 1,500 severe violations perpetrated against children, encompassing fatalities, kidnappings, and recruitment into armed groups.
The educational sector has also been severely impacted by this ongoing crisis. By 2025, more than 8,400 schools had become inaccessible, denying countless children their right to learn and leaving them increasingly vulnerable to illness, psychological trauma, and extreme poverty.
