Niger is currently experiencing a critical phase. In August 2025, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that 4.3 million people required humanitarian assistance. The appeal launched amounted to $500 million, but only 40% of this has been mobilised. The remaining 60 per cent puts thousands of Nigeriens at risk of food, shelter and healthcare shortages.

Violence and displacement

According to a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Tillabéri, Tahoua and Diffa regions are experiencing frequent armed violence. These attacks have displaced more than 700,000 people within the country. Families are fleeing their villages to seek shelter in makeshift camps. There is a lack of shelter, health infrastructure and safe spaces for children.

In the Diffa area, the crisis in neighbouring Nigeria is fuelling an influx of refugees. Several thousand Nigerians have settled in makeshift camps. Local communities, which were already fragile, are now facing increasing shortages of food and water. Health centres are struggling to meet the growing demand due to a lack of targeted reinforcements.

A generation at risk: food insecurity, poor health and declining education system

Food insecurity is taking a heavy toll on rural areas, where heavy rains and looting have destroyed crops. In local markets, millet and sorghum prices have risen by 30-50 per cent. Many households are now forced to spend more than half of their income on food, leaving little for other necessities. 

Access to primary healthcare is also severely limited. Health centres lack trained staff and essential medical supplies and outbreaks of cholera and malaria have been reported in several districts. Children under five represent the majority of serious cases. Vaccination campaigns struggle to reach isolated villages due to logistical constraints.

Several hundred schools have closed in conflict-affected areas. Teachers have fled for fear of attacks, and many children have been displaced, interrupting their schooling. Many of these children now work to support their families. The impact on a generation’s education is already becoming apparent due to the lack of alternative solutions.

Protection for the most vulnerable remains inadequate. Gender-based violence is increasing in camps and makeshift settlements. Cultural barriers and the lack of dedicated services make it difficult to report abuse. Without these services, survivors struggle to access appropriate psychological and medical support.

Urgent need for greater solidarity in humanitarian response and funding

The United Nations, NGOs and the Nigerien government are coordinating operations on the ground. Food and non-food kits are being distributed across several localities, mobile clinics are providing medical consultations and psychosocial teams are supporting victims of trauma.

The 2025 humanitarian appeal requires $500 million. However, so far, only $200 million, i.e. 40% of the target, has been pledged. The resulting $300 million shortfall threatens the scope of planned interventions. Without additional funding, distributions of food and medicine risk interruption before the end of the rainy season.

A rapid injection of funds would improve the reception of displaced persons, prevent supply shortages and aid the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure. Each month of delay endangers the health and safety of thousands of Nigeriens. 

In the face of this crisis, Niger requires a coordinated response. Current allocations remain far below the required level. Mobilising the international community is crucial to preventing further deterioration and protecting the most vulnerable populations.