Project 21 addresses significant housing, land, and property issues in the Central Sahel, with reports indicating severe violations of property rights that exacerbate tensions among communities. The needs of forcibly displaced persons are notable, illustrating the urgency for secure access to housing and land. Cooperation among humanitarian, development, and peace practitioners is vital for resolving these challenges effectively.
In January 2025, Project 21 addresses housing, land, and property (HLP) issues affecting communities in the Central Sahel, specifically in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Western Niger. Reports from 2024 indicate that 40% of monthly protection incidents involved violations of property rights, which exacerbated intercommunity tensions. HLP-related violence, encompassing extortion, theft, and destruction of property, has become a primary concern, compelling families to flee and worsening conditions post-displacement.
Data reveals that forcibly displaced individuals face shelter needs that are twice as high as those of host communities. Half of both displaced and host community members identified construction and rehabilitation as their urgent housing requirements, emphasizing the need to address the structural dimensions of HLP issues. The influx of displaced persons places further strain on service provision and resources in the semi-urban areas, compounding existing HLP challenges.
The competition between customary and legal land norms creates tenure insecurity and risks of forced evictions in regions impacted by forced displacement. Effective land management is imperative for delivering impactful assistance, particularly in implementing shelter and agricultural initiatives. Secure access to land is essential to facilitate these efforts, underscoring the connection between land rights and emergency needs.
Moreover, it is noteworthy that 65% of community members reported donations as the principal means of accessing land in the Central Sahel. Communities view HLP positively, as it influences their willingness to voluntarily return or integrate into local or host populations. There is an urgent need for enhanced cooperation among humanitarian, development, and peace practitioners to effectively address these overlapping HLP challenges.
In summary, the HLP issues in the Central Sahel are pivotal to understanding the dynamics of forced displacement and community tensions. Addressing these issues through effective land management, secured housing solutions, and enhanced collaboration among various practitioners is essential. Failure to do so not only perpetuates human rights violations but also hinders the prospects for durable solutions and peacebuilding within the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
