Security crisis in the Sahel: HI supports a Burkinabe refugee in Togo

The situation in the Sahel is marked by endless violence and massive population displacement. More than two million people have been forced to flee violence , and sometimes find themselves having to survive in camps for displaced persons. The region is in the throes of a major humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of emergency aid and millions more facing increasing hunger.

Fleeing for survival

Awa*, 48, lived in Konpougou, Burkina Faso. A mother of eight, she led an active life as a farmer and grain trader. She also sold peanut paste to support her family. Everything changed when her village was attacked by terrorists.

One afternoon, armed men stormed into the village, shooting at residents and setting houses on fire. Awa's eldest son, aged 25 and a recent high school graduate, was killed before her eyes. Another member of the family also lost his life.

Awa was shot in the arm and left for dead.

"I fell to the ground, and they thought I was dead. I regained consciousness in the hospital. After the attack, they took all our belongings, our livestock and our grain reserves."

She was rushed to hospital and then transferred to Tenkodogo, a neighbouring town, for further treatment. When her condition stabilised, her family fled without returning to the village.

Medical and psychosocial care

In February 2025, Awa found refuge in Cinkassé, in northern Togo. Widowed for several years and separated from most of her children, she arrived in a state of great physical and psychological vulnerability.

Upon her arrival, she received emergency aid, including a basic necessities kit from HI containing rice, oil, biscuits, soap and a mosquito net, among other items, to meet her essential needs during the first few weeks.

Quickly identified by community members trained by HI, Awa is referred for appropriate medical care. Her arm, which was seriously injured during the attack, had not been properly treated.

Alassane Inoussa, one of the community members trained by HI, explains: "She was very isolated and spoke little. Her arm was badly swollen. After a new X-ray, we found untreated fractures. Surgery was recommended and fully funded by the project. Today, her condition has improved significantly."

At the same time, she is receiving psychological first aid.

Traumatised, she would jump at the slightest noise and constantly relive the scene of the attack. Gradually, thanks to psychosocial support, she is regaining her sleep, her appetite and her inner peace.

Today, Awa lives with her youngest daughter, aged 18, who is now a seamstress. She survives thanks to local solidarity and modest family support. Her wish is simple: to live in safety and peace.

A project to support vulnerable populations 

Through the PRUBB project (Emergency Response to the Basic Needs of Vulnerable Communities Affected by Population Displacement in Northern Togo and Benin), HI is implementing an emergency response aimed at strengthening the resilience of communities in northern Togo and Benin in the face of the crisis. The project provides a multi-sectoral response including:

• Psychological first aid and psychosocial support
• Support for people in vulnerable situations (psychiatric cases, survivors of gender-based violence, people suffering from post-traumatic stress, pregnant women at risk) to appropriate facilities,
• Cash transfers (vouchers) worth 120,000 CFA francs to 1,749 of the most vulnerable households (refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities),
• Support in the form of hygiene and sanitation kits.
• Special attention given to unaccompanied children, children not in school, or children without civil status documents.

Between April 2024 and September 2025, 1,153 people received psychosocial support and 12,871 people received financial assistance in Togo. Ultimately, more than 26,000 people will be supported by this project .

*First name changed for security reasons.