Neglected and Overlooked: The Plight of Conflict Victims in
Burkina Faso
International aid organizations are significantly failing the
victims of the jihadist conflict in Burkina Faso, according to Norwegian
Refugee Council (NRC) Secretary General Jan Egeland. Speaking to Burkinabè
community leaders from the most affected areas, Egeland highlighted the severe
deficiencies in humanitarian support in the country.
Recently, the NRC identified Burkina Faso as the world's
most neglected displacement crisis due to a lack of humanitarian funding, media
attention, and international diplomatic efforts. During an interview
facilitated by The New Humanitarian, four community leaders from Djibo, Dori,
Diapaga, and Ouahigouya posed pressing questions to Egeland. They expressed
concerns about the reduction in aid and the concessions made by aid agencies to
the country’s military government, which has imposed various restrictions on
relief efforts.
Egeland empathized with their frustrations, stating, “If I
were in your shoes, I would be utterly outraged by the lack of international –
and regional – solidarity. We are indeed failing some of the poorest, most
neglected, and hardest-suffering communities on Earth.” He emphasized that over
two million people have been displaced by the conflict, which has also led to
tens of thousands of deaths and a series of military coups in 2022.
The current leadership under Army Captain Ibrahim Traoré has
intensified military operations and mobilized civilians into a nationwide
anti-jihadist volunteer force. However, these measures have exacerbated the
humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate that security forces have killed hundreds
of civilians in counter-insurgency operations, while jihadists have enforced
blockades on numerous towns and villages.
Egeland detailed the obstacles faced by aid groups, which
include bans on distributing cash assistance, restrictions on humanitarian
diplomacy with armed groups, and limited access to areas not controlled by the
government. This environment of suspicion and the tense relationship between
the junta and Western donors further complicate efforts.
During his visit to Burkina Faso, Egeland witnessed both the
catastrophic needs and the resilience of the people. In Dori, he met widows and
families displaced by violence, living with minimal assistance. He noted that
the humanitarian appeal for the country is only 15% funded midway through the
year, highlighting a severe shortfall in resources. Despite this, NGOs have
managed to provide education and some support to thousands of children,
demonstrating what can be achieved with limited resources.
Community leaders questioned the drastic reduction in aid
despite worsening security and criticized the inadequacy of food aid for large
households. Egeland explained that international attention and funding have
shifted away from the Sahel region, compounded by the high costs of operations
in blockaded areas. He highlighted that only 1% of civilians in these areas
received aid from international NGOs last year.
Egeland also addressed the ban on cash assistance, arguing
that it empowers people to make their own choices. The government, however,
claims that cash creates dependencies and can be misused. While the NRC and
other NGOs argue for better coordination and accountability in cash
distributions, they face significant restrictions.
He refuted the accusation that aid groups conspire with the
government to make life harder for displaced people, asserting that NGOs strive
to maintain independence and neutrality. Egeland called for increased
cooperation with local authorities and the need for a unified effort among
humanitarian organizations to improve access and support across the country.
