The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a critical humanitarian situation. Across Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, an alarming number of nearly 7.5 million children are in urgent need of aid. This persistent crisis persists despite some reported advancements in health, education, and civil registration services.
UNICEF calls for greater international attention
Following a two-week mission to the area, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, raised concerns about the crisis’s limited international visibility. He stressed the necessity for global awareness and increased support.
Chaiban observed a region characterized by the remarkable resilience of its inhabitants, yet also profoundly affected by ongoing insecurity, the widespread impacts of climate change, and severe socio-economic challenges.
Displacement, violence, and educational disruption
Data compiled by UNICEF reveals that over 3.6 million individuals have been forced to abandon their homes due to escalating violence. Furthermore, the United Nations has documented more than 1,500 serious violations against children, encompassing murders, abductions, and recruitment into armed groups.
The educational sector has also been severely compromised by the crisis. In 2025, over 8,400 schools became non-operational, denying countless children access to learning and heightening their susceptibility to illnesses, psychological trauma, and destitution.
