The Central Sahel faces critical housing, land, and property (HLP) issues, with violations of property rights contributing to inter-community tensions. Forcibly displaced persons have significant shelter needs, and effective land management is essential. Donations serve as the primary means of accessing land. Enhanced cooperation among stakeholders is necessary to address these challenges and support integration and return of displaced populations.
In January 2025, a report on housing, land, and property (HLP) issues in the Central Sahel—specifically Burkina Faso, Mali, and Western Niger—highlighted significant concerns regarding forced displacement. Notably, 40% of reported protection incidents involved violations of property rights. Furthermore, HLP issues have been identified as catalysts for inter-community tensions, manifesting through acts such as extortion and destruction of property, which severely impacts civilian safety in the region.
The data from 2024 indicates that forcibly displaced individuals have double the shelter needs compared to host communities. In this context, half of the surveyed populations emphasized the importance of construction or rehabilitation as their primary housing requirement. This reflects the structural challenges associated with HLP issues amid prolonged displacement, exacerbating pre-existing needs and complications regarding land and property rights.
Forced displacement adds strain to resource availability and employment in semi-urban areas, escalating tenure insecurity and the risk of evictions. Competing legal and customary land norms complicate access to land, underscoring the necessity for effective land management. Achieving secure access to land is vital for implementing shelters and agricultural initiatives to assist displaced populations.
Despite these challenges, the report indicates that donations remain the predominant means for accessing land in the Central Sahel, accounting for 65% of instances. Additionally, surveyed communities perceived HLP positively as a factor that could influence their desire to return or integrate within local host communities. Addressing HLP issues necessitates enhanced cooperation among humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding practitioners to foster sustainable solutions in the region.
In summary, the situation regarding housing, land, and property issues in the Central Sahel is dire, with rising tensions and heightened risks for displaced individuals. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes secure land access and coordinated efforts among various stakeholders. By prioritizing effective land management and support services, the prospects for forcibly displaced persons can improve significantly.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
