IN response to Burkina Faso’s escalating humanitarian crisis, US aid chief Samantha Power announced a significant aid package of nearly $55 million on Thursday. This allocation aims to address emergency food and nutrition needs, among other forms of assistance, reflecting the United States’ commitment to alleviating the dire situation.
‘Growing conflict and a dire humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso is unfolding in communities cut off from the world’s view,’ stated Power in the announcement, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The funds, part of the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) efforts, will bolster emergency aid to Burkina Faso, bringing the total to nearly $158 million since the commencement of fiscal-year 2023. Power emphasised the critical importance of addressing the widespread violence and attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, which have resulted in mass displacement and disrupted essential services, affecting nearly 6.3 million Burkinabe—nearly a third of the country’s population.
Burkina Faso is among several nations in Africa’s Sahel region grappling with Islamist insurgencies linked to groups like al Qaeda and Islamic State, leading to widespread devastation and displacement. The failure of authorities to protect civilians has contributed to political instability, including multiple coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2020. The current military rulers in Burkina Faso seized power at the end of 2022, further complicating efforts to address the crisis.
In February, reports emerged of the Burkinabe military summarily executing about 223 villagers, including over 50 children, as part of a campaign against civilians accused of collaborating with jihadist militants, according to Human Rights Watch.
Power’s statement called on donors to bolster their support for the humanitarian response, stressing the urgency of the situation that she described as ‘overlooked and underfunded.’ However, she cautioned that even with additional support, reaching vulnerable civilians remains a formidable challenge.
Civilians trapped by armed groups are cut off from aid by fighting and intentional impediments, exacerbating their suffering and leading to severe hunger. Power highlighted that at least one million people can only be reached through humanitarian airlifts or military convoys, while nearly three million are projected to require immediate food assistance in the coming months.
‘We call on all parties, including the Transition Authorities, Burkinabe military, and armed groups, to protect civilians and enable the free flow of humanitarian aid to prevent this devastating situation from getting worse,’ Power asserted, stressing the imperative of safeguarding civilian lives amidst the crisis.
