West Africa Sahel crisis demands urgent funding to save millions

The United Nations and its partners are sounding the alarm over a deepening humanitarian crisis in West and Central Africa, where 24 million of the most vulnerable people face extreme hardship in 2026. With the global humanitarian appeal totaling $33 billion, $5.1 billion is urgently needed to prevent further suffering and displacement across the region.

Charles Bernimolin, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for West and Central Africa, warns that without immediate resources, families will endure heightened hunger, forced displacement, and escalating protection risks. The crisis spans eight countries—Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chad—where 42 million people require urgent assistance just to survive and stay safe.

Escalating violence and climate-driven disasters intensify suffering

Conflict and insecurity remain the primary drivers of displacement, particularly in the Central Sahel—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—where violence has spilled into neighboring countries like Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Mauritania. The Lake Chad Basin and ongoing conflict in Sudan further exacerbate the humanitarian toll, displacing 12.7 million internally and forcing 3.7 million to flee across borders as refugees or asylum seekers.

Women and children make up the majority of those displaced, often uprooted multiple times and exposed to severe risks, including gender-based violence, exploitation, and survival sex. The crisis is compounded by climate shocks, with 2 million people affected by heavy rains and flooding in 2025 across 12 nations. These disasters destroyed crops, damaged homes, and cut off access to schools and healthcare. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was among the hardest hit, with over 830,000 people affected.

Crippling funding gaps leave millions without critical support

Despite generous donations in 2025, the humanitarian response in West and Central Africa has faced severe funding shortages. Of the $7.8 billion required, only $1.8 billion was received—just 24% of the total needed. These shortfalls have forced aid organizations to scale back operations and make agonizing choices about where to deploy limited resources.

The consequences are devastating. In the Central African Republic, cash aid plummeted by 75%, stripping families of their ability to meet basic needs. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 85% of those targeted for shelter support received nothing, leaving them exposed to the elements. By the end of 2025, humanitarian workers had provided some form of assistance to 19 million people across the region. However, millions more remain beyond reach due to insufficient funding.

Humanitarian agencies emphasize that urgent action is critical. Without additional resources, the suffering in West and Central Africa will only intensify, leaving millions more at risk of hunger, displacement, and loss of life.