UN: 24 Million People in Need of Humanitarian Aid Across Sahel Region

A United Nations spokesperson stated on Wednesday that around 24 million people throughout the Sahel region are in need of humanitarian aid. Speaking to the media during a daily press conference, Dujarric noted that this year’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Overview warns that the crisis continues to worsen in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Cameroon, and north-eastern Nigeria.

According to Dujarting, violence continues to spread across the region. Armed groups are expanding their presence in the Central Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin. This insecure situation has led to widespread displacement and forced the closure of schools and healthcare facilities.

Climate shocks are further exacerbating the situation, Dujarric added, noting that the Sahel region is experiencing temperature increases faster than the global average. Throughout 2025, floods have impacted approximately 590,000 people, while recurrent droughts and widespread desertification have damaged agricultural land and threatened the livelihoods of millions.

In response to these conditions, the UN, alongside its humanitarian partners, is expanding cash assistance programmes, strengthening anticipatory measures, and increasing support for local organisations to help communities better cope with their growing needs.