Addressing Housing, Land, and Property Issues in Central Sahel: A Critical Review
In the Central Sahel, escalating housing, land, and property (HLP) issues are causing significant instances of forced displacement, affecting both displaced persons and host communities. Reports indicate a pressing demand for shelter and construction, with reliance on donations for land access being common. Addressing these complex challenges will require collaborative approaches across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors to establish durable solutions.
In the Central Sahel region, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Western Niger, housing, land, and property (HLP) issues have emerged as significant drivers of forced displacement. In 2024, incidents reported by communities revealed that 40% of protection violations pertained to property rights, creating intercommunity tensions. Violent acts such as extortion, theft, and destruction of property faced by civilians often compel families to abandon their homes, exacerbating the already dire conditions for displaced individuals.
Research indicates that the shelter needs for forcibly displaced populations are twice as pressing compared to those of hosting communities. Moreover, half of those surveyed, including both displaced individuals and their hosts, identified construction and rehabilitation as crucial housing necessities. This highlights the structural challenges posed by HLP issues in the Central Sahel and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Forced displacement not only intensifies existing HLP challenges but also increases tensions related to access to resources, employment, and service provision in host areas. This situation leads to heightened tenure insecurity and the risk of forced evictions, driven by conflicting customary and legal land regulations. Effective land management is essential for facilitating emergency assistance, particularly for establishing shelter and agricultural programs.
Data reveals that 65% of communities rely on donations as the primary means of accessing land, reflecting deep-rooted struggles within the region. Despite the challenges, many surveyed communities recognized HLP as a vital element influencing their decision to voluntarily return or integrate with local populations. The intersection of land rights, housing needs, and infrastructural limitations necessitates enhanced collaboration among humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors.
The main takeaways from the report emphasize the critical nature of HLP issues in the Central Sahel, demonstrating their role in forced displacement and community tensions. Urgent attention to land management and housing needs is essential for addressing the plight of both displaced persons and host communities. Collaborative efforts amongst various sectors are crucial for promoting peace and sustainable solutions in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
