In the arid and remote area of Northern Burkina Faso, villagers and those who have fled conflict from neighboring countries, are struggling to re-settle after conflict and militia violence has quickly escalated throughout much of the troubled Sahel region.
Persistent attacks and insecurity have hindered humanitarian operations denying the most vulnerable people access to available assistance. This unprecedented crisis has already forced thousands of people to flee violence, shut down schools and deprive children of education. The photographer traveled to one of the worst-affected regions with UNOCHA in May 2019.
According to the National Emergency Relief Council, the number of internally displaced persons increased from 87,000 in January 2019 to 220,000 in June 2019, an increase of 153% in 6 turbulent months.
With the continued violence and scattering of the local population, reliable access to food, livelihoods and basic services is becoming increasingly difficult for both displaced and the host communities.
(UNOCHA/Sept 2019)