Senegal — humanitarian situation

Senegal faces ongoing pastoral resource constraints and irregular migration dynamics, though humanitarian conditions remain relatively stable compared to neighboring Sahel countries. The installation of the rainy season from June to July 2026 has progressively improved water access and pasture regeneration, yet deficits persist in Louga, Matam, and Saint-Louis departments ACF. Strong livestock concentrations have been observed at Missirah Wadene, Payar, Bondji, Ngabou, and Sinthiou Malem due to returning transhumants and unequal distribution of pastoral resources. Body condition of livestock is improving overall but remains critical in specific localities including Dahara-Thiamène, Diwane Thionokh, and Nghabou ACF. Earlier in the April-May 2026 period, the advanced pastoral lean season saw progressive degradation of pastures particularly in Saint-Louis, Louga, and Matam, with water availability generally satisfactory through boreholes, rivers, ponds, and wells despite localized tensions ACF. Migration via the West African-Atlantic Route continues to represent a significant humanitarian concern. During the second quarter of 2026, recorded deaths and disappearances along the Atlantic Route fell by 16 percent while arrivals to the Canary Islands declined by 67 percent, suggesting the decrease in arrivals does not necessarily reflect reduced departure attempts but may be linked to increased risks amid stricter migration controls MMC. IOM Senegal has maintained monitoring of key departure points along the Senegalese coastline since 2019 in response to the resurgence of irregular migration movements. Migration flows are increasingly shifting toward the Western Mediterranean Route, which saw a 26 percent increase MMC. WFP and the Ministry of National Education signed a new partnership agreement in July 2026 supporting sustainable scale-up of school meals aligned with WFP's 2025-2029 Country Strategic Plan. Through the Mastercard Foundation-funded Salouma project focused on youth employment and food systems, WFP enrolled 24,329 young people across eight regions, with over 81 percent being women, and partner organizations began delivering training alongside agricultural and livestock kits WFP. Regional analysis indicates below-average precipitation in Sahelian areas including Mali, Niger, and Chad has led to crop water deficits and deteriorated vegetation conditions, though Senegal has not been specifically highlighted among the most affected countries FEWS NET.