NIAMEY: In the wake of the recent political upheaval that saw the ousting of Niger’s democratically elected president on July 26, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a grave warning about the escalating danger facing millions of vulnerable children in the country. The crisis has exacerbated existing challenges, adding to an already dire humanitarian situation, according to Stefano Savi, the UNICEF representative in Niger.
“More than two million children are bearing the brunt of this crisis, urgently requiring humanitarian assistance to survive,” Savi stated in a press release. Prior to the latest bout of instability, it was projected that around 1.5 million children under the age of five would be afflicted by malnutrition in 2023 alone.
Economic Crisis and Political Instability in Niger
Niger, a landlocked nation situated in the volatile Sahel region, has long grappled with severe economic struggles and political turbulence, consistently ranking among the world’s poorest countries. The country’s Human Development Index (HDI) rating, a crucial measure of prosperity, places it at the lower end of the global scale.
UNICEF, despite ongoing challenges, has been actively working to provide support to the affected communities. However, numerous obstacles have impeded their efforts. Among these concerns is the precarious state of electricity supply, which plays a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of childhood vaccines and essential medical supplies.
In addition, UNICEF expressed apprehension regarding the fate of 21 containers containing critical “life-saving supplies” that remain stranded at the border in Benin and the port of Cotonou. Another 29 containers bound for Niger are currently at sea, transporting emergency food and syringes intended to alleviate the mounting crisis.
Savi urgently appealed to all parties involved in the crisis to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian workers and supplies to reach the most vulnerable children and families in dire need. Moreover, he implored for the safeguarding of vital humanitarian programs against the potentially devastating impact of sanctions and funding cuts.
