The Central Sahel region continues to grapple with a critical humanitarian situation. Across Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, an estimated 7.5 million children are in dire need of urgent assistance, despite some documented advancements in health, education, and civil registration.

UNICEF urges global action

Following a 14-day mission to the area, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, raised concerns about the crisis, noting its insufficient visibility on the international stage.

Chaiban observed a region characterized by the resilience of its inhabitants, yet profoundly impacted by persistent insecurity, climate change effects, and significant socio-economic challenges.

displacement, violence, and educational disruption

Data provided by UNICEF indicates that over 3.6 million individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to escalating violence. Furthermore, the United Nations has documented more than 1,500 severe violations against children, including instances of murder, abduction, and recruitment by armed groups.

The crisis has also severely disrupted education. By 2025, over 8,400 schools had become inaccessible, denying countless children the opportunity to learn and leaving them more vulnerable to illness, psychological trauma, and overall precarity.