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Refugee crisis in Koro: Over 9,000 new arrivals in just one week
The crisis in Burkina Faso is forcing thousands of women and children to flee, while Koro serves as a refuge. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed.
Refugee crisis in Koro: Over 9,000 new arrivals in just one week
In the last two weeks, the situation has worsened dramatically for many people in Burkina Faso. Women and children are particularly affected, as they are forced to leave their homes under pressure from armed groups. The UNHCR reports that most of these refugees come from the Loroum and Sourou provinces in the northwest of the country. This region is a flashpoint in the current security crisis, which has been characterized by a jihadist insurgency since 2015. Terrorist groups linked to Al-Qaïda and Daesh control around 40% of Burkina Faso's territory, making the humanitarian situation even more difficult.
The violence has devastating consequences. A report by Human Rights Watch illustrates the tragedy with shocking statistics: between January and August 2024, around 6,000 civilians were killed, while over two million people were forced to abandon their homes. In Koro, a town in Mali that has become the temporary capital of exiles, local authorities have opened public buildings to accommodate incoming refugees. A sign of solidarity is also shown by various local groups that help the refugees with food and other goods.
Urgent need for support
The humanitarian needs in Koro are enormous. Many people urgently need shelter, clean drinking water, food, hygiene products and psychosocial support. In recent days, the number of refugees in Koro has increased significantly — from 1,200 to 9,351 in just one week. That represents a whopping tripling within a very short period of time.
The UNHCR has responded by deploying teams to assist the Malian authorities in registering the refugees. This registration is crucial to ensure that those affected have access to essential services. In addition, over 15,000 non-essential items such as mosquito nets and blankets are on their way to the region. However, the UNHCR warns of an “unprecedented budget crisis” that is severely limiting aid agencies’ ability to respond and requires rapid action.
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