UNICEF warns of growing humanitarian crisis amidst Niger’s political upheaval
Story from Hamzat Ibrahim ABAGA
A grim situation compounded by a political crisis has sounded an alarm for Stefano Savi, the UNICEF Representative for Niger Republic.
He warns that the country’s already struggling humanitarian efforts are facing an even heavier burden.
The crisis has left more than two million children in desperate need of aid, further worsening their plight.
Amidst this turmoil, military leaders seized control from President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, unveiling a three-year transition plan.
This move occurred despite the looming threat of military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Even before this recent instability, Savi points out that projections had already indicated that by 2023, 1.5 million Nigerien children under the age of five would be grappling with malnutrition.
READ ALSO: Niger Coup: ECOWAS delegation finally meets President Bazoum, military officers
Niger, a landlocked Sahel state, has long remained among the world’s poorest and most unstable nations, consistently ranking near the bottom of the UN’s Human Development Index.
Given the mounting challenges, Savi urgently calls upon all parties involved in the crisis to ensure that humanitarian workers and supplies can reach the most vulnerable children and families promptly and safely.
He emphasizes the critical need to shield essential humanitarian programs from the adverse effects of sanctions and budget cuts.
Despite these increasing obstacles, UNICEF perseveres in its efforts to provide assistance.
However, concerns grow regarding the depletion of essential resources, such as the energy required to maintain cold storage for vital necessities like children’s immunizations.
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