The number of refugees and internally displaced people in the west and central African region has doubled in just five years, reaching a staggering 13.7 million.
This alarming figure, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is expected to continue rising.
One of the most critical situations is in Chad, where one in 17 people is a refugee.
The country has seen a massive influx of people fleeing Sudan’s civil war, bringing the total number of Sudanese refugees to over 650,000.
Security challenges in neighboring countries like Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Cameroon have also forced tens of thousands to seek refuge in Chad.
The Sahel region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has been plagued by jihadist violence, leading to the displacement of millions.
The UNHCR is urging host countries to integrate refugees into their development programs as many displaced people are unable to return home.
The agency warns that the situation will continue to deteriorate unless urgent action is taken to address the root causes of displacement and provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.