Cote d'Ivoire — humanitarian situation

Côte d'Ivoire faces a sharp deterioration in food security, with over 1.3 million people projected to experience acute food insecurity (Phases 3-4) between June and August 2026, representing a 43 percent increase compared to 2025 (WFP). An additional 3.9 million people are in Phase 2 stress conditions. The northern regions of Tchologo and Bounkani are particularly affected, with over 150,000 people—13 percent of the regional population—acutely food insecure, a 36 percent increase from the previous year (WFP). As of April 2026, the country hosts 82,789 forcibly displaced people, though the sources do not specify the breakdown between refugees and internally displaced persons (WFP). This displacement occurs within the broader West and Central Africa context where forced displacement remains elevated despite some returns (UNHCR). Access to essential services remains severely constrained in northern areas. In Tchologo region, communities remain cut off from the healthcare system due to lack of information, financial difficulties, and geographic isolation (Action Against Hunger). Humanitarian actors have launched decentralized healthcare activities outside formal health facilities to reach remote villages that previously had no contact with health services. Agricultural livelihoods in these northern regions rely heavily on women's farming activities, though income generation has historically been limited to the two-month maize harvest season (Action Against Hunger). WFP has initiated socio-economic data collection and needs-based targeting for newly arrived refugees in northern regions through its cooperating partner CIAUD (WFP). The agency has also conducted participatory planning for Food for Assets activities to support community-driven early recovery action plans. Regional flooding outlooks indicate ongoing monitoring of potential monsoon-related risks for the June-September period (OCHA, ECHO). UNHCR has called for greater international investment in solutions for refugees across West and Central Africa, including support for voluntary return, reintegration, and socio-economic inclusion to reduce long-term humanitarian assistance dependency (UNHCR).