Stefano Savi, the UNICEF Representative for Niger Republic, highlights that the ongoing political crisis compounds the existing dire humanitarian situation in the country, placing an even heavier burden on its people.
Savi points out that over two million children are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance due to the impact of the crisis.
The military rulers that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26 had unveiled a three-year transition plan.
This is despite the threat of a military action by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In a statement, Savi said even before the most recent instability, it was anticipated that 1.5 million Nigerien children under the age of five would be underweight in 2023.
The landlocked Sahel state, which frequently places near the bottom of the UN’s Human Development Index, a measure of affluence, is among the most unstable and impoverished nations in the world.
“UNICEF urgently calls on all parties to the crisis to ensure that humanitarian workers and supplies safely reach the most vulnerable children and families where urgently needed.
“We also demand that crucial humanitarian programs be protected from the effects of sanctions and budget reductions,” he stated.
Despite facing growing challenges, UNICEF continues to offer aid while expressing worry about potential energy shortages, which are critical to preserving essential services like refrigeration for children’s vaccinations.
