Press release: Addressing the impacts of population influx on conflict dynamics in the Liptako-Gourma region

In recent years, the cities of Koro in Mali, Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso, and Téra in Niger have seen an unprecedented influx of displaced people—both refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs)—because of ongoing regional instability.

This massive migration is reshaping the urban landscapes of these cities, affecting not only the host communities but also exacerbating tensions and conflicts in an already fragile context. The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), through its PREVENIR (Prevention and Resilience for the Future) project, has conducted conflict-sensitive analyses to better understand the full scope of this phenomenon and its impact on local dynamics.

The study, which utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, delves into the effects of the influx on urban centers, focusing specifically on how this population movement has altered conflict dynamics in the region. Through interviews and consultations with a range of stakeholders—including DRC staff working across peacebuilding, protection, and emergency response sectors, local authorities, community leaders, and representatives from displaced populations—key insights have emerged on the challenges faced by these communities and the implications for long-term stability.

Key Findings: The arrival of displaced people in cities like Koro, Ouahigouya, and Téra has brought about several interconnected challenges, compounding the already strained socio-political landscape. These challenges include:

• Pressure on natural resources

The rapid increase in population has placed significant strain on local resources such as water, land, fuel, and housing, often leading to tensions and conflicts, particularly between displaced people and host communities.

• Overcrowded social infrastructure

Essential public services, including healthcare, education, and housing, are struggling to meet the growing demand. This has resulted in overcrowding and inadequate support for both host populations and displaced communities.

• Economic impact

Inflation, rising living costs, food shortages, and increasing rent prices have further burdened urban centers. The limited availability of humanitarian aid has exacerbated these economic hardships.

• Rising crime and survival Strategies

Due to resource scarcity, many individuals turn to crime or informal survival strategies, contributing to growing insecurity and intensifying tensions within communities.

• Weakened social cohesion

The sudden and large-scale arrival of displaced people has disrupted social relations in certain areas, weakening solidarity between host populations and displaced communities. This erosion of social cohesion has fueled mistrust and deepened divisions within communities.

• Conflict dynamics and opportunities for Peacebuilding

The study also reveals that while the influx of displaced people has undeniably contributed to escalating conflicts, its impacts vary by locality. Most respondents (26%) believe that the arrival of displaced people generates mistrust within the community. Additionally, 19% express frustration over the distribution of humanitarian aid, while 17% highlight pressures or potential tensions related to livelihoods, services, and economic opportunities. Concerns about tensions, conflicts, and violence are also evident, with 15% of respondents acknowledging these risks. However, localized differences in how communities manage this influx and adapt to these challenges shape the specific conflict dynamics in each area.

However, despite the challenges, the study identifies significant opportunities for peacebuilding and conflict mitigation. These include:

• Replicating successful initiatives: Effective peacebuilding initiatives implemented in certain areas should be expanded and adapted to other localities to support both displaced and host populations in managing the crisis.
  
  
• Engaging Local Actors: Local stakeholders—including religious and traditional leaders, women, youth, and representatives of displaced communities—must be actively involved in peacebuilding processes to ensure that responses are grounded in the realities of those directly affected.
  
  
  
• Ensuring equitable resource distribution: Local authorities, in partnership with NGOs and community actors, must ensure fair access to resources and promote inclusive economic initiatives for youth, women, and vulnerable groups. This includes training programs in agriculture, livestock farming, and various trades, as well as efforts to strengthen economic resilience. Additionally, raising awareness about sustainable resource management within communities could help prevent violence and crime.

The study highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of displacement in the Liptako-Gourma region and the urgent need for tailored responses that address both the immediate humanitarian needs and the longer-term peacebuilding challenges. By focusing on local capacities and strengthening existing peacebuilding frameworks, there is hope that urban centers can overcome the tensions brought about by population influx. This approach also aims to foster better dialogue and access to resources and services for marginalized people, building more resilient, cohesive communities.

The DRC’s findings provide critical insights that should inform future strategies and interventions, ensuring that the needs of both displaced and host populations are met while promoting peace and cohesion in this volatile region.