Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in West Africa: UN Sounds Alarm on Terrorism

The United Nations has warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis in West Africa and the Sahel region, where at least 1,364 children have been recruited by armed groups in 2024. The alarming statistics reflect the devastating impact of terrorism, which has forced over 14,000 schools to shut down due to insecurity. The crisis has deepened fragility in the region, with terrorist groups exploiting local grievances, advanced technologies, and ungoverned spaces to carry out sophisticated attacks.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 1,364 children were recruited by armed groups in 2024 across six countries in West Africa and the Sahel region.
• 466 cases of sexual violence were reported, and 14,364 schools were closed in the region due to insecurity.
• Five of the 10 most terrorism-impacted countries globally are in West Africa and the Sahel, with fatalities rising in 2024.
• Extremist violence is spilling into sensitive border zones and protected conservation areas, threatening livelihoods, biodiversity, and eco-tourism.
• Political disputes among neighbouring states and the worsening effects of climate change are driving extremist recruitment.
• Insecurity is forcing states to prioritize defense spending over essential services, with the Central Sahel projected to allocate $3.2 billion to defense in 2025.
• Terrorist groups exploit vulnerabilities, embedding themselves in marginalized communities and using local grievances as recruitment tools.

Statistics:

• 1,364 children were recruited by armed groups in 2024.
• 466 cases of sexual violence were reported.
• 14,364 schools were closed in the region due to insecurity.
• Five of the 10 most terrorism-impacted countries globally are in West Africa and the Sahel.
• Fatality rates rose in 2024.
• $3.2 billion is projected to be allocated to defense in the Central Sahel in 2025.

Sources:

• UN Under Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Simao.
• ECOWAS Regional Conference on Combating Emerging Terrorist Groups and Strengthening Sustainable Security in the ECOWAS Region and the Sahel.
• Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.