The European Union has announced an additional allocation of €35 million in humanitarian aid to West African countries, bringing the EU’s total assistance to these nations to €160.6 million this year. According to a press release from the European Commission, countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea, and Nigeria continue to suffer from food insecurity and displacement due to increasing political instability, ongoing conflicts, and escalating violence.
The new funding will help address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly in areas such as food aid, nutrition, health, water and sanitation, shelter, and protection. Specifically, the Commission has earmarked €10 million for humanitarian partners operating in Burkina Faso, €8 million each for Mali and Niger, €1 million for Mauritania, €5 million for Nigeria, and €3 million for the coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea.
West Africa is currently facing one of its worst food security and humanitarian crises in a decade, exacerbated by a combination of ongoing conflicts, political instability, and the global impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. The crisis has led to a sharp increase in food prices, significant displacement of populations, and rising levels of acute malnutrition, especially in the Sahel region, including countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad.
The situation is dire, with nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa expected to face severe food insecurity during the lean season from June to August 2024. This represents a significant increase from previous years, driven by disrupted food systems, economic challenges, and the impact of climate change. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further strained food supplies, with skyrocketing prices making basic meals unaffordable for millions across the region. Humanitarian agencies are calling for urgent and sustained political and financial commitments to address the root causes of this escalating crisis
