In 2024, significant HLP issues arose in the Central Sahel, with communities reporting property rights violations and increased intercommunity tensions. Displaced individuals indicated a higher demand for shelter compared to host communities, revealing the urgency of construction and rehabilitation needs. Addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts is crucial for ensuring sustainable land access and promoting peace.
In January 2025, Project 21 highlights critical housing, land, and property (HLP) issues in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Western Niger. In 2024, communities reported that two out of five monthly protection incidents involved violations of property rights, which also contributed to intercommunity tensions. These violations typically manifest as extortion, theft, looting, and destruction, resulting in significant humanitarian concerns as families are frequently compelled to flee.
The data indicates that forcibly displaced persons have shelter needs twice as high as their host communities. Surveys revealed that half of both groups identified construction or rehabilitation of housing as their primary need, underscoring the structural nature of HLP challenges in the region. Forced displacement exacerbates ongoing HLP issues, particularly in areas where access to land is governed by conflicting customary and legal frameworks, leading to increased tenure insecurity.
Moreover, the Central Sahel has seen a reliance on donations for land access, accounting for 65% of the means utilized by surveyed communities. HLP issues have emerged as vital factors influencing the willingness of displaced individuals to return to their origins or integrate with local communities. Effectively addressing these challenges necessitates robust cooperation between humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding efforts to enhance land management solutions.
In conclusion, the interconnectedness of land rights, emergency housing necessities, and infrastructural gaps demands urgent attention in the Central Sahel. Ensuring a secure and sustainable access to land is paramount for alleviating the suffering of displaced populations. Collaborative strategies among various stakeholders are essential to address these pressing HLP issues and bring about viable, durable solutions.
The situation in the Central Sahel highlights the critical nature of housing, land, and property issues, which are exacerbated by forced displacement. Displaced populations have significant shelter needs, which are only amplified by existing conflicts over land rights and tenure insecurity. Addressing these challenges through coordinated efforts will be essential for achieving durable solutions and promoting stability in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
