Cote d'Ivoire — humanitarian situation

Côte d'Ivoire continues to experience significant food insecurity and ongoing refugee influx from the Central Sahel, despite maintaining strong economic growth with GDP projected at approximately 6 percent for 2026. According to October 2025 Cadre Harmonisé projections, over 1.3 million people face acute food insecurity (Phases 3-4) between June and August 2026, with an additional 3.9 million at risk (Phase 2), representing a 43 percent increase compared to 2025 WFP. The northern regions of Tchologo and Bounkani are particularly affected, with over 150,000 people—13 percent of the population—experiencing acute food insecurity during this lean season peak WFP. Insecurity in the Central Sahel continues to drive cross-border movements, with Côte d'Ivoire hosting 93,200 refugees and asylum seekers as of June 2026, including approximately 82,000 from Burkina Faso UNHCR. This influx, concentrated primarily in Bounkani, Tchologo, and Poro regions, is driving demographic shifts and straining local capacities FEWS NET. In host communities, the refugee presence is increasing demand for basic services, creating pressure on natural resources, and intensifying competition between refugees and host households for income-earning opportunities through daily labor FEWS NET. Nutrition indicators reveal persistent challenges despite relatively low national rates. Among children under five, 21.4 percent are stunted, while anaemia affects 68 percent of children WFP. Although the national global acute malnutrition rate stands at 3.7 percent, significant regional disparities persist, with some areas experiencing considerably higher rates WFP. Persistent cross-border insecurity continues to affect northern regions, contributing to sustained Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes FEWS NET. UNHCR is collaborating with government, development actors, and the private sector to promote inclusion in national services and expand economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities in northern Côte d'Ivoire UNHCR. As part of broader regional protection concerns, OCHA has called for urgent action to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel across West and Central Africa, noting that five humanitarian workers have been killed, nine injured, and 14 kidnapped in 2026 OCHA.