Sahel Dashboard: Humanitarian Overview (as of 23 May 2024)

The Sahel faces a complex web of crises, driven by interlinked factors including brutal violence, conflict, climate change, political instability, weak governance, chronic poverty, and fraying social fabric.

Over 32.8 million vulnerable women, children and men in the region in 2024 need humanitarian assistance and protection services. Most of those affected live in the epicentres of the Central Sahel or the Lake Chad Basin. Their lives and protection are at risk. Many are forced to flee their homes in search of safety: the Sahel is home to 5.6 million internally displaced persons and 2 million refugees. Their livelihoods are under threat and they face severe food insecurity and malnutrition. Their access to basic services is affected: they lack water and sanitation, have limited access to education, and are exposed to disease outbreaks.

Of the US$4.7 billion required in 2024 – for humanitarian organizations to target with assistance 20.9 million people – 12 per cent has been received so far, totaling US$558.7 million.