In 2024, protection incidents in the Central Sahel highlighted significant violations of property rights, leading to increased inter-community tensions. Displaced individuals faced twice the shelter needs compared to host communities, with construction as a main priority. Forced displacement exacerbates pre-existing HLP challenges, necessitating effective land management and enhanced cooperation among humanitarian and development sectors.
In 2024, two-fifths of the protection incidents reported by communities indicated violations of property rights, underscoring the prevalence of housing, land, and property (HLP) issues. Additionally, two-fifths of respondents acknowledged HLP problems as a driver of inter-community tensions. The manifestations of conflict-related HLP issues include extortion, theft, looting, destruction, seizure, and confiscation of personal properties, significantly threatening the safety and security of civilians in the Central Sahel region.
The consequences of HLP-related risks are severe, often compelling families to leave their homes and communities. Displaced individuals reported shelter needs that were twice as significant compared to the needs of host communities. Moreover, half of those surveyed, both displaced and host community members, identified construction or rehabilitation of housing as a primary necessity, emphasizing the structural challenges presented by HLP issues.
Forced displacement amplifies existing HLP difficulties, particularly in semi-urban areas, where it exacerbates the demand for services, resources, and employment. This situation heightens tenure insecurity and the risk of forced evictions, especially in regions where land access is governed by conflicting customary and legal regulations. Effective land management is crucial, serving as a foundation for delivering meaningful assistance, particularly for establishing shelters or agricultural income opportunities.
The data further illustrates that donations remain the principal means of land access for approximately 65% of the population in the Central Sahel. Moreover, surveyed communities recognized HLP as a significant element influencing their inclination to voluntarily return or integrate into local or host communities. Addressing these intertwined challenges necessitates strengthened collaboration, complementarity, and coherence among humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors.
The housing, land, and property issues in the Central Sahel present a complex challenge that exacerbates the plight of forcibly displaced individuals. Acknowledging HLP issues is crucial for addressing inter-community tensions, enhancing shelter needs, and ensuring secure land access, which is essential for sustainable solutions. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are imperative to mitigate these challenges and foster peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
