By Ebi Kesiena
The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for $7.6 billion to assist 35 million people in West and Central Africa as the region faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, violence, and climate-related shocks.
Millions are struggling with food insecurity, malnutrition and severely limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
The crisis has been particularly acute in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which alone requires $2.5 billion in aid to support 11 million people. The country is reeling from multiple crises, including ongoing armed conflicts and the emergence of a mysterious disease that has added to the strain on its fragile healthcare system.
Neighboring countries such as Chad, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali are also experiencing severe humanitarian challenges. Armed conflicts, forced displacement, and worsening climatic conditions have left millions vulnerable. In Nigeria, for instance, ongoing violence in the northeast has displaced over two million people, with children and women disproportionately affected. In Burkina Faso and Mali, escalating violence has led to widespread displacement and disruptions to farming and livelihoods, further exacerbating food insecurity.
The UN has emphasized that immediate international support is critical to prevent further deterioration. The funds will be used to deliver life-saving assistance, including food aid, emergency healthcare, nutrition programs, and education for displaced children. It will also support efforts to rebuild infrastructure and enhance resilience against climate shocks in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, warned, “Without significant and timely funding, millions of people in West and Central Africa will face unimaginable suffering. The international community must come together to address these multifaceted crises.”
The UN is urging governments, private donors, and global institutions to contribute generously and act decisively to alleviate the suffering of millions in this beleaguered region.
