Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference

Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
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Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
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Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
3 / 4
Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
4 / 4
Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali. (Supplied)
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Updated 26 October 2024
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Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference

Forgotten no more: global leaders confront Sahel and Lake Chad Basin crisis at Jeddah conference
  • Issue requires ‘multifaceted, sustained response,’ KSrelief chief tells Arab News

JEDDAH: After years of international neglect, the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region finally commanded global attention on Saturday as international leaders, humanitarian organizations, and government representatives convened in Jeddah for the High-Level Ministerial Donors Conference. 

Co-hosted by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the event focused on the plight of more than 33 million people across six countries — Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali — struggling with conflict, displacement, and hunger. 

“The fact that we are all here today is already a success,” Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, told Arab News on the sidelines of the event. “This conference has brought a forgotten crisis back to the forefront, where it deserves to be, and we are giving voice to millions who have been ignored for too long.”

A crisis long overlooked by the world

For years, the multifaceted crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region has failed to capture the sustained attention of the global community. Despite the destabilizing effects of violent extremism, environmental degradation, and deep-seated poverty, the region has struggled to secure the international resources needed for an effective response. 

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the conference, Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s regional director for West and Central Africa, described the dire state of affairs.

“This is one of the most severe humanitarian crises we face, yet it receives far less attention than others,” Fagninou said. “Millions of women, children, and families are trapped in a cycle of suffering that the world seems to have forgotten.”

The violence that is responsible for much of the displacement of the local population in the area has largely been caused by armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to spread terror across northern Nigeria and the broader region. Their brutal insurgencies have forced more than 11 million people from their homes, creating one of the largest displacement crises globally.

Patrick Youssef, regional director for Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross, emphasized this during his interview with Arab News. “Every year, we see more displacement, more conflict, and an ever-widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available,” he said. “Conflict and climate change are converging, making the suffering of these populations unimaginable.”

A human catastrophe: displacement, hunger, and desperation

The humanitarian fallout from the crisis is staggering. Families displaced by conflict now reside in overcrowded camps where basic necessities — food, clean water, and medical care — are in critically short supply.

Al-Rabeeah stressed the human cost, saying: “The numbers are not just statistics — behind every figure is a person who has lost their home, their livelihood, and their sense of safety.”

With more than 3 million internally displaced persons in Nigeria alone and millions more across Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the region’s humanitarian needs are overwhelming.

A particularly pressing concern is food security. According to UNICEF, 13 million people are at immediate risk of malnutrition, with children disproportionately affected. Fagninou warned that the situation is on the verge of spiraling further into disaster.

“We are on the brink of a catastrophe,” he said. “If the international community does not act now, millions of lives are at stake. This crisis is happening now — it is not a distant threat.”

Climate change: a growing threat to stability

Compounding the region’s instability is the devastating impact of climate change. Lake Chad, once the heartbeat of economic and social life for nearly 30 million people across Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, has shrunk by a staggering 90 percent over the last 50 years due to climate change and unsustainable water use.

The loss of so much of the lake has severely undermined local economies, particularly in fishing and agriculture, while desertification is forcing nomadic herders and farmers into direct competition over dwindling resources.

Youssef highlighted the brutal reality of these interconnected crises in his interview, saying: “The interplay between violence, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation is overwhelming communities.

“We are seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change in real-time. Livelihoods are collapsing, and displaced populations are struggling to find even the most basic resources, such as water and food.”

Erratic weather patterns, including droughts and floods, have further worsened the situation, with agricultural production becoming increasingly unreliable. The Sahel region is now seeing the expansion of arid lands, driving migration and intensifying conflicts over resources. 

As Al-Rabeeah noted, addressing these environmental challenges is key to long-term stability. “It is not enough to provide immediate relief; we need to invest in sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies that can prevent future crises,” he said.

The urgent need for international action

Despite the magnitude of the crisis, it remains one of the most underfunded humanitarian emergencies in the world. The UN and international NGOs have repeatedly called attention to the funding gaps that have hampered efforts to meet basic needs, such as food, healthcare, and education. 

Al-Rabeeah underscored the importance of a sustained international commitment: “While food security and healthcare are immediate priorities, we must also focus on building resilience and creating pathways for development. This is not just a short-term emergency — it requires a multifaceted, sustained response.”

Both Fagninou and Youssef echoed his sentiments. Fagninou, speaking on the role of the global community, said: “The international community must recognize the urgency of this crisis and provide the necessary resources. Local governments are doing their part, but they cannot tackle this alone.”

Youssef, reflecting on the broader needs, remarked: “Humanitarian assistance alone will not end the suffering. We need a commitment to peace and stability, alongside humanitarian efforts. Without addressing the root causes of conflict, the cycle of violence and displacement will only continue.” 

A path forward: hope amid the crisis

The presence of high-level delegations, UN agencies, and major donor countries at the conference has produced a renewed sense of hope that the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin region will no longer be overlooked, and signals a potential turning point in mobilizing international support. Al-Rabeeah, for one, expressed optimism.

“The fact that so many key stakeholders are at the table — from governments to international donors and UN agencies—means that this crisis is no longer being ignored,” he said. “I believe we can generate significant financial commitments, despite global economic challenges.”

This conference could prove to be a pivotal moment in the international response to one of the world’s most overlooked humanitarian crises. It is a call to action; a reminder that the people of the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin are not forgotten, and that — with the right support — there is still hope for a brighter future.


Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program

Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program
Updated 29 October 2024
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Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program

Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program
  • Nursing, infectious diseases, emergency clinics provide care
  • Services provided for vulnerable people in Yemen, Mauritania

RIYADH: Thousands have recently benefitted from the volunteer medical services provided by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief in Yemen and Mauritania, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In September, mobile clinics in the Haradh district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate provided medical services more than 2,000 people.

Among those treated were 732 patients who received preventive care for epidemic diseases.

The emergency clinic treated 391 patients, while 314 individuals received treatment in the internal medicine clinic.

Medical staffers in the Al-Gharza area treated 884, 631, 532 and 35 people in the emergency, internal medicine, infectious diseases, and surgery and dressing clinics and departments, respectively.

Additionally, the nursing services department treated 588 patients, medicines were dispensed to 2,047 individuals, and the awareness and education clinic assisted eight individuals.

Eight waste-disposal activities were also carried out.

Also, 19 patients benefited from reproductive health services, and eight individuals participated in awareness and education sessions.

In terms of ancillary services, 712 people received nursing care, 1,399 individuals were provided with medication, 72 patients received care in the surgery and dressing clinic, and eight waste-disposal activities were completed.

In addition, 321 specialized operations were carried out in Nema, Mauritania from Oct. 9 to 16.

The medical team members, who are a part of the Saudi Noor volunteer program to combat vision-related conditions, screened 3,150 individuals and provided spectacles for 825 during the period.


Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally

Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally
Updated 29 October 2024
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Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally

Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to distribute food aid to thousands of vulnerable people across the globe, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agency recently distributed 916 food aid parcels and 916 hygiene kits in the Idlib region of Syria, benefiting 5,496 individuals.

And in Syria’s Aleppo a further 517 food parcels and 517 health kits were delivered, benefitting 3,102 people.

In South Sudan 2,000 displaced families in the Equatorial region received food aid.

And a further 2,387 food aid packages were distributed in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan, reaching 113,935 people as a part of the 2024 food aid initiative for vulnerable families in the country.


World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union

World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union
Updated 29 October 2024
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World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union

World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union
  • Waleed Elkhereiji tells organization’s 9th Regional Forum in Barcelona the region is at a critical crossroads as a result of Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon
  • He says international community has 2 options: act in support of international law and a 2-state solution, or risk further escalation and suffering that will undermine its credibility

BARCELONA: The Saudi deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji, spoke at the Union for the Mediterranean’s ninth Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday about the importance of efforts to enhance regional security, at a time when decisive and practical international action is required to halt a continuous cycle of violence and destruction.

He said the region is at a critical crossroads as a result of Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, which presents the international community with two options: to act effectively in support of international law and to reinforce the need for a two-state solution to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or to risk further escalations and deeper suffering that undermines the credibility of international efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.

Elkhereiji highlighted the severe nature of the humanitarian crises in Palestine and Lebanon, which he said were unbearable. He condemned Israel’s systematic targeting and forced displacement of innocent civilians, and the deliberate destruction of buildings and infrastructure, as blatant violations of international humanitarian law that continue to take place without any accountability or punishment.

He reiterated the strong condemnation by authorities in the Kingdom of attacks by Israeli forces against civilians and employees of the UN and other organizations, including the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

He said Saudi Arabia rejects any expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, or actions by Israel that affect the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, and calls for an end to such activity to avoid prolonging the cycle of violence and destruction.

The minister said verbal condemnation is no longer sufficient in efforts to deter further violence, as he called for bolder and more decisive action from the international community. To that end, he said the Kingdom looks forward to hosting the first high-level meeting of the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution in Riyadh on Oct. 30.

Elkhereiji said securing the implementation of a two-state solution is a collective international responsibility and offers the only viable path to a lasting peace, through recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state.

This, he added, is a fundamental condition for ensuring stability in the region. He said the Kingdom remains committed to working with its partners to ensure such a solution does not remain a distant aspiration but becomes a tangible reality in the near future.


Saudi teenager helps connect highschoolers with new opportunities

Saudi teenager helps connect highschoolers with new opportunities
Updated 28 October 2024
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Saudi teenager helps connect highschoolers with new opportunities

Saudi teenager helps connect highschoolers with new opportunities
  • Over 1,000 young Saudis have joined Talal Al-Qahtani’s online portal for ‘change-makers’

RIYADH: Committed to empowering students with the right tools to succeed, Talal Al-Qahtani, 17, founded Saudi Extracurriculars for Students, a nonprofit organization dedicated to help aspiring highschoolers become “changemakers.”

To address what he saw as a gap in the market, he founded SEFS to connect Saudi youth with a range of extracurricular activities in the Kingdom, such as community service, internships, music, art and culture.  

The young founder’s story begins in 2007, when he was born in Virginia, US, to a Saudi father and American mother. When he was two his family moved to Riyadh where he enrolled in Manarat Al-Riyadh International School (MARIS) and studied there from kindergarten to 12th grade.   

Approaching the last few years of high school and struggling to find extracurricular projects, Al-Qahtani took it upon himself to create SEFS.

He told Arab News that his aim is “to create an online portal for students to connect with new opportunities across all Saudi Arabia … I decided to create something I wished I had at the time. My thought process is if something needed is missing then I need to fill that gap.”  

Less than a year since its launch in January, SEFS has 1,000-plus online members. Furthermore, many have been accepted to their dream universities with the mentorship, study programs and opportunities offered to them. 

“We’ve helped students move themselves towards a positive change so they themselves can make a positive impact on their community as a whole.” 

The organization’s mission plan is to turn students into “changemakers” — people who work to benefit others — Al-Qahtani said.

“A changemaker is someone who can work and collaborate with other people to create a greater change, and I say there is no ‘I’ in changemaker.”  

Al-Qahtani, a senior at MARIS, has several milestones in his academic career, such as winning the best delegate award at three Model UNs, and chairing a committee. 

Al-Qahtani is currently an intern at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology’s petrochemical research institute. In this role, he conducts research on methane decomposition for hydrogen production and has analyzed more than 40 studies on methane decomposition. 

Al-Qahtani was also social media marketing manager for Sawada Specialty Coffee, a cafe in Riyadh, where he gained marketing experience and learned how to become an effective communicator. 

“Working closely with the cafe’s team and the owner taught me a lot of vital communication skills. Marketing requires creative thinking and taking part in various activities that deal with problem solving ... While interning as a market research analyst I got to create effective market dashboards with research in current design courses in Saudi and sustainable designs.” 

Al-Qahtani previously worked as head of marketing and communications for TEDxMARIS where he led a team of marketers and took what he learnt to create a marketing initiative club at his school, where he teaches “vital skills in marketing,” he said.

“To help my members take their skills and newfound passion further, I currently bridge my members to brand new marketing opportunities at events in Saudi Arabia.” 

SEFS aligns closely with the goals of Vision 2030, creating positive opportunities for young people by connecting them with new opportunities to advance their careers.  

“We help students not only through gaining new skills but in getting accepted to top universities around the world so that they can contribute to the economy of Saudi Arabia.” 

Al-Qahtani’s goal is to expand SEFS through collaborating with the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia to make a change in the Kingdom’s high school environment.


Saudi deputy minister receives German envoy in Riyadh

Saudi deputy minister receives German envoy in Riyadh
Updated 28 October 2024
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Saudi deputy minister receives German envoy in Riyadh

Saudi deputy minister receives German envoy in Riyadh

Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the German Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Kindsgrab in Riyadh on Monday.

Al-Sati also held separate meetings with the Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Madiyar Menilbekov on the same day, the Foreign Ministry announced on X.

Bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them were discussed during the meetings, alongside various other topics of common interest.