humanitarian aid Sahel regionshort news Burkina Faso 5/27/2025
Hungary Helps Launches Humanitarian Support in Burkina Faso Amid Growing Displacement Crisis
The Hungary Helps Program is offering assistance in a new country, Burkina Faso, for communities impacted by armed conflicts, jihadist attacks, and flooding. This nearly year-long program aims to support the internally displaced and the local population in the northern and central regions of the country, while paying special attention to the consequences of the security crisis and natural disasters.
In Burkina Faso, more than 2 million people have become internally displaced due to violent events in recent years. The northern and central areas — including Barsalogho and Séguénéga — are particularly affected. In August 2024, hundreds of civilians and soldiers lost their lives in a jihadist attack in Barsalogho, while Séguénéga became a refuge for displaced people from surrounding areas. The sudden increase in the population has placed a huge burden on local infrastructure, drinking water supplies, healthcare, and education systems. Due to the unstable situation, resource shortages, and the inadequate infrastructure, international and local aid organizations can only provide limited support, while food shortages, the spread of diseases, and mental health issues are becoming increasingly severe.
In this grave humanitarian situation, we are providing support in Burkina Faso, through a nine-month program aimed at helping the internally displaced and local communities in the northern and central regions of the country. The program is led by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of Burkina Faso (CJP-Burkina), and it is based on two main pillars: on the one hand, psychological support is being provided to both internally displaced persons traumatized by armed violence and members of the host communities in Séguénéga; while on the other hand, food distribution is being conducted for those in need in the region.
The psychological support officially began on May 14, 2025, in Séguénéga, with the aim of providing mental health assistance to internally displaced persons and local residents traumatized by armed violence and persecution. During this phase, 250 affected individuals will receive support to help them process war trauma and strengthen community resilience. The food distribution will soon begin in the city of Kaya, which plays a key role in managing the humanitarian crisis in the northern part of the country. Supported households will receive a food package consisting of rice, corn or millet, beans, cooking oil, salt, and local spices.
"This project is an invaluable support for us, the local authorities, but also for the people of the commune of Séguénéga. It will have a significant impact on the community," said Yacouba GUIRO, First Vice-President of the commune's Special Delegation regarding the support provided. (Source: CJP Burkina)
With this new initiative, the Hungary Helps Program demonstrates once again that Hungary actively contributes to global humanitarian aid, particularly in regions experiencing severe humanitarian crises. Additional support is planned for the country, and we will also report on those efforts.
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