UN Seeks $5.1 Billion for West and Central Africa Amid Escalating Crises

Urgent Appeal for West and Central Africa

Dakar, Senegal – The United Nations and its humanitarian partners today, December 8, 2025, launched a critical appeal for $5.1 billion to provide life-saving aid and protection across West and Central Africa. This funding is earmarked for the 2026 humanitarian response, aiming to assist 24 million of the most vulnerable individuals in a region grappling with worsening crises. The overall global humanitarian appeal for 2026 seeks $33 billion to support 135 million people worldwide, with an immediate priority of $23 billion to save 87 million lives.

The appeal highlights the severe impact of protracted violence, the escalating effects of climate change, and other interconnected challenges that have left more than 42 million people in the region in need of assistance. Countries covered by this comprehensive plan include Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria.

Drivers of a Deepening Crisis

West and Central Africa faces a complex web of crises, with violence and instability being primary drivers of humanitarian needs. The region is experiencing unprecedented levels of armed conflict, leading to widespread displacement and protection risks. Climate change further exacerbates vulnerabilities through phenomena such as floods, droughts, increased temperatures, desertification, and the degradation of agricultural land. These environmental shocks contribute to severe food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks.

In 2025, humanitarian operations in the region faced significant funding shortfalls, receiving only $1.8 billion of the $7.8 billion required, representing just 24 percent coverage. This chronic underfunding has forced humanitarians to make difficult choices, limiting their ability to reach millions of people in dire need.

Burkina Faso: A Nation Under Strain

Burkina Faso remains at the epicenter of one of the world's fastest-growing displacement crises and is a key focus of the UN's appeal. The country's humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate rapidly, with an estimated 5.9 million people needing assistance in 2025. Over 2 million people, nearly 10 percent of the population, have been internally displaced due to violence and insecurity.

The multifaceted crisis in Burkina Faso is driven by armed conflict, violence, and climate shocks, compounded by socioeconomic inequalities. In 2024, the security situation led to the closure of over 5,319 schools, affecting 818,149 children, and rendered 424 health facilities non-functional. Humanitarian access is severely restricted in many areas, with an estimated 1.1 million people living in enclaved regions. Approximately 40 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and 2.8 million people were affected by food insecurity as of early 2025.

Call for Global Solidarity

Charles Bernimolin, Head of OCHA's Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROWCA), warned that 'Without urgent resources, families will increasingly face hunger, displacement and protection risks across West and Central Africa, leading to further suffering.' The appeal underscores the urgent need for increased international solidarity and support to address the escalating humanitarian catastrophe and prevent further loss of life and dignity.