By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, on Friday called for urgent international support to tackle the worsening displacement crisis in Africa's Sahel region, where about 4 million people are now uprooted across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and neighboring countries.
The figure is around two-thirds more than five years ago, according to the agency.
"The region cannot face these challenges alone," Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, UNHCR's regional director for West and Central Africa, told reporters in Geneva, warning that insecurity, food scarcity, and climate shocks are driving more people from their homes.
Women and children make up 80% of the displaced, with gender-based violence and forced recruitment on the rise, he said. Over 14,800 schools and 900 health facilities have closed, leaving millions without access to education or care.
Despite local solidarity, aid operations are strained by dwindling funds, with only 32% of UNHCR’s $409.7 million appeal funded. Gnon-Konde urged "unified, sustained international action and true solidarity with the Sahel" to protect millions and restore hope across the region.