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A convergence of crises exacerbated by forced displacement and restrictions to freedom of movement
According to the World Bank, in 2024, over 70% of the Western and Central African population lived in countries affected by conflict and violence. In the Central Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali and Western Niger), insecurity remains the primary driver for forced displacement. As of May 2025, 9 in 10 communities surveyed by Project 21 declare that displacement is caused by attacks and/or fear of an attack. 9 in 10 surveyed families also declare that their movements are restricted due to armed groups’ activism.
From 2020 to 2024, the number of registered internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso, Mali and Western Niger has tripled, while the number of registered refugees and asylum-seekers has almost doubled. Combined with other factors, notably related to poverty, food insecurity, climate change, as well as infrastructure development, forced displacement and movement restrictions limit access to already scarce essential services, exacerbating structural challenges across the Central Sahel.
Throughout 2024, Project 21 has continued to survey affected communities in some of the most hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas. Highlighting increasing needs for protection and solutions in the Central Sahel, the following results also require enhanced cooperation between humanitarian, development and peace-building actors.