Adjara, manufacturing and selling cakes
Burkina Faso is facing a severe internal displacement crisis, driven primarily by escalating violence and insecurity. Since 2016, there have been increasing attacks by jihadist extremist groups in the northern and eastern regions. Counter-terrorism government military operations have also compounded the displacing of civilians.
This crisis has created significant challenges for both the displaced populations and the host communities, particularly in southern regions and cities like Bobo-Dioulasso. Over 1.9 million people (as of mid-2023) have been displaced within Burkina Faso, according to UNHCR. The southern region, including cities like Bobo-Dioulasso, hosts a significant proportion of these IDPs.
Bobo-Dioulasso has seen a substantial influx of IDPs, straining its resources and infrastructure. The local government and international organizations are working to provide support, but the needs exceed available resources.
This crisis is particularly affecting women and children. Displaced women face heightened risks of gender-based violence, exploitation, and lack of access to reproductive health services. Many displaced children suffer from interrupted education, with schools being targeted in attacks or repurposed as shelters.
The influx of IDPs has overwhelmed health facilities, leading to shortages in medical supplies and personnel. Disease outbreaks and malnutrition are critical concerns.
Displacement has also disrupted the education of thousands of children. Schools in host communities are overcrowded, and resources are stretched thin, impacting the quality of education.
L2H is providing financing to enable the Franciscaines Missionaires de Marie ("FMM") to help IDPs. The assistance is focused on helping women set up a small commercial activity to contribute to their families income. From October onwards, support will be provided to finance the tuition of IDPs children in FMM and other schools.
