Burkina: millions of people need help according to the UN

It is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis affecting Burkina Faso, the UN Secretary General said with alarm.

At least 6.3 million people need protection from deadly violence. Recurrent terrorist attacks have exacerbated humanitarian needs across the country, according to Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General: The situation in Burkina Faso is critical according to our humanitarian colleagues, with an unprecedented crisis affecting 6.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. Together with our partners, we are supporting the government’s efforts to address the urgent needs of the population.

So far this year, humanitarian organizations have reached more than 730,000 men, women and children across the country under the Humanitarian Response Plan. This is a positive start, but it only covers 19% of the 3.8 million people we aim to reach. Halfway through the year, the $935 million Humanitarian Response Plan for 2024 is only 17% funded, or about $157 million."

According to OCHA (May 2024), more than 5,700 schools and nearly 350 health establishments are not operational, due to insecurity, thus depriving more than 800,000 children of an education and more than 3.3 million people medical care.