Dori: The humanitarian community in the Sahel region commemorated World Humanitarian Day (WHD) on a delayed basis in Dori, gathering on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The event served as a platform to acknowledge the dedication of humanitarian workers, raise awareness, and mobilize efforts around the pressing challenges of humanitarian action amid ongoing security and humanitarian crises.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the 2025 edition of World Humanitarian Day in Dori brought together various stakeholders, including constituted bodies, NGOs, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities. Amidou Doumbia Baba, head of the Sahel sub-office of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized that the day, traditionally celebrated on August 19, honors humanitarian workers who have lost their lives while serving.
Mr. Doumbia Baba highlighted the importance of this commemoration in raising awareness about humanitarian challenges and mobilizing the financial resources needed for ongoing interventions. He commended the collaboration between the humanitarian community and regional administration, noting its importance for effective interventions. He called on humanitarian actors to align their efforts with national guidelines, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and development.
For the governor of the Sahel region, Abdoul Karim Zongo, this year’s theme, “Acting for humanity,” resonated deeply, especially in a region facing security and humanitarian challenges. He stressed the daily convergence of humanity with urgency, solidarity, courage, and hope in the Sahel. He defined “Acting for humanity” as maintaining a presence alongside people despite challenges, providing essential services such as water, food, healthcare, education, and shelter.
The commemoration included several activities, like presenting Burkinabe National Identity Cards (CNIB) to IDPs, a presentation on social cohesion, and exhibitions showcasing initiatives by various humanitarian actors. These activities aim to bolster the resilience of affected communities and foster cohesion in the region.
World Humanitarian Day 2025 in Dori was a moment to recognize and advocate for the vital role of humanitarian workers in the Sahel. It reaffirmed solidarity with vulnerable populations and renewed the collective commitment to “act for humanity,” even in challenging circumstances.