Understanding the Sahel Humanitarian Crisis

Image provided by Anadolu Ajansı.[i]

The Central Sahel region of Africa, which includes Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The OCHA described this as “the worst humanitarian needs in years”[ii]. The number of internally displaced people has increased by over 2,400 percent since 2014, while food insecurity has surged by 532 percent. Despite accounting for only 0.9 percent of global population, the Central Sahel accounts for 5% of global humanitarian needs[iii].

More than 4 million people have been forced to escape the Sahel area, as warfare has spread across various nations. Women and children are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with sexual assault, abuse, exploitation, forced marriage, and trafficking on the rise.

The Long-Lasting Impacts of Colonialism and Inequality after Independence[iv]

The region’s history of colonialism, spanning from the 1890s to 1960, has cast a long shadow, dawning daily practices. During this time, the government classified areas as “utile” – useful – and “inutile” – useless. Investment and resources were diverted into "utile" areas while the "inutile" were neglected and burdened by new rules and border controls that interrupted a tradition of mobility and trade. Economic growth disparities persist, exacerbating the vulnerability of these marginalized regions.

The post-colonial era presented challenges in integrating marginalized regions into the newly independent nation of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Instead of encouraging economic diversification or growth in the marginalized periphery, Central Sahel governments continued to concentrate power and resources in their capitals well into the twenty-first century. This strategy has resulted in intense political conflicts, and a disheartening cycle of 18 successful coups since 1960. These coups disrupted economic progress, social cohesion, and diverted resources towards defense at the expense of public welfare.

The Interconnection of Conflict and Climate Change[v]

The humanitarian crisis in the Central Sahel is further exacerbated by the intricate interplay between conflict and climate change. Residents suffer from a lack of economic possibilities and political inclusion, which fuels complaints against their respective central governments.

Climate shocks, such as increased temperatures (escalating 1.5 times faster than in other regions of the world, with forecasts illustrating a 2-4.3°C rise by 2080) and soil erosion, have made the region's agriculture and herding industries highly vulnerable. As a result, communities turn to industries directly affected by climate change, prolonging the cycle of conflict and vulnerability.

These conditions have facilitated the rise of rise to 41 non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in Mali alone. Some are linked to Al Qaeda and compete with each other and the government for control over populations, territory, and resources. These ongoing conflicts intensify poverty and food insecurity. Violence uproots people from their houses and hinders them from caring to their crops or animals. It also affects water, power, and other kinds of infrastructure that are critical for mitigating the effects of climate change. Governments and corporations are discouraged from investing in vulnerable areas due to conflict. More so, international funders are typically hesitant to sponsor climate adaptation programmes in unstable and conflict-affected countries.[vi

How can I help?

1. Raise Awareness:

   Share information about the Central Sahel crisis to raise awareness among your friends, family, and social networks. Utilize social media platforms, blogs, and others to share information and stories related to the crisis.

2. Support Climate Action:

   Support and advocate for climate mitigation. Encourage sustainable practices and policies.

3. Engage in Fundraising:

   Organize, participate, or support fundraising events to collect donations for humanitarian organizations working in the region.

4. Donate to Humanitarian Organizations:

   Support organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and the World Food Programme that are actively working to aid and relieve afflicted communities

Relevant Links:

Further explore the Sahel Crisis

Science Po Educational Video explaining the Sahel Humanitarian Crisis