Twice consumed by fire: Kolofata’s displaced face merciless odds

The wind was blowing gently that morning, around 10 a.m. in Kolofata. At the site for internally displaced persons, families were trying to rebuild some semblance of a life after the first fire two weeks earlier had already destroyed everything. The shelters were held together by a few tree branches, pieces of wood and a determination to carry on.

But on Saturday, 28 February, fire broke out again at another site. At first, it was just a small flame. Then the wind carried it from one shelter to another. Within minutes, screams filled the village. "The fire was spreading faster. By the time we went to fetch water, it was already too late," says Yassoua. Naissata, a mother of four, recalls, "I just had time to grab my baby and get out. Everything else went up in smoke."

The flames engulfed the fragile shelters, made of straw and built very close to one another. According to Elias, secretary general of the municipality of Kolofata, this proximity facilitated the spread of the fire.

Two weeks after the first disaster, which had already claimed nearly 1,000 victims, this new fire left 2,087 more families homeless. Since that day, the nights have been long in Kolofata.

Families sleep on the ground, under a sky that is sometimes cold. Children cry from hunger. Parents stare silently at the horizon, searching for a solution that always seems too far away.

"The children have practically nothing to eat," says Halima, sitting under a tent watching her daughter light a small wood fire to boil beans. "When they ask for food, we don't know what to say anymore."

Some mothers even hesitate to breastfeed.

"I'm afraid to breastfeed my baby," Mariam whispers. "Because I haven't eaten much myself. I'm afraid I'll be even hungrier afterwards and won't be able to carry my child."

Around them, children play in the dust with objects salvaged from the debris. Others remain silent.

The days pass slowly. The nights seem to go on forever.

In neighbouring districts, residents still remember the scene.

Djibril, a member of the host community, saw the flames rising into the sky.

"It looked like the whole city was burning," he says. "People were running everywhere. Some were crying, others were shouting their children's names. We tried to help as best we could, but the fire was too strong."

Despite their own difficulties, several families in the host community opened their doors to offer a little water, a place to rest, or simply human companionship.

Faced with this new disaster, UNICEF teams immediately sprang into action. With emergency kits in hand, they went to the site to support the most vulnerable families and assess the most urgent needs. Mats and blankets were distributed, along with 250 mosquito nets, to affected households. Awareness-raising activities on children's rights and psychosocial support were carried out. Care for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition was strengthened through the pre-positioning of Plumpy'Nut and therapeutic milk in health facilities. In addition, 380 WASH kits were distributed to 287 households, accompanied by community mobilisation activities and the distribution of materials (posters and messages) on Essential Family Practices and the promotion of breastfeeding in emergencies.

These actions have brought initial relief. But the needs remain immense.

Despite everything, life is slowly returning to normal. Using branches, ropes and a few salvaged pieces of wood, families are starting to rebuild.

"We have no choice," says Lawane, straightening the posts of a new shelter. "If we stop, we give up. And we don't want to give up."

Around him is Bintou, a UNICEF U-Reporter who is helping him rebuild. Nineteen other U-Reporters are supporting other families at the site in rebuilding temporary homes.

The families of Kolofata are trying to get back on their feet for the second time, demonstrating remarkable resilience. But resilience alone is not enough. Their resources are exhausted because behind every burnt shelter lies a family hoping to live tomorrow without fear of losing everything again.

Children need food, clean water, healthcare and a safe place to sleep. Mothers need support to feed and protect their babies. Homes must be rebuilt and essential services strengthened to prevent further tragedy from compounding their suffering. With the support of its partners, UNICEF continues to mobilise to meet the most urgent needs. But the scale of the crisis exceeds available resources. Rapid and increased donor support is essential to provide emergency shelter, hygiene kits, vital nutritional care and protection to the thousands of children and families affected. In Kolofata, every contribution can make the difference between a night spent in fear and the hope of a safer tomorrow.