Crisis in the central Sahel: 7.5 million children at risk

The Central Sahel region is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, with nearly 7.5 million children in urgent need of support across Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. Despite modest advancements in healthcare, education, and civil registration, the persistent challenges continue to threaten vulnerable communities.

An underreported crisis demanding global action

During a recent 14-day assessment mission, Ted Chaiban, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, highlighted that the severity of the crisis in the Central Sahel remains largely overlooked on the international stage. The region’s resilience is being tested by overlapping crises: escalating insecurity, climate-related disasters, and crippling socio-economic pressures.

Humanitarian toll: displacement, violence, and disrupted lives

The situation has forced over 3.6 million people to flee their homes due to violence, while the United Nations has documented more than 1,500 grave violations against children—including killings, abductions, and forced recruitment by armed factions.

The education system has been severely disrupted, with more than 8,400 schools rendered inaccessible in 2025. This educational void not only deepens learning gaps but also exposes children to heightened risks of disease, trauma, and economic hardship.

Why urgent intervention is vital

The compounded effects of conflict, climate shocks, and poverty are pushing millions to the brink. Without immediate, coordinated international support, the Central Sahel’s humanitarian emergency risks spiraling further out of control—leaving generations of children without safety, education, or hope for the future.