Ongoing crises in the Horn, the Great Lakes, and the Sahel.

Introduction

The Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, and the Sahel are currently facing severe and interconnected crises that are expected to worsen in 2024. These crises are characterized by a combination of political instability, armed conflicts, climate-related disasters, and humanitarian emergencies.

Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis driven by multiple factors:

Conflict and Atrocities

Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict, resulting in massive civilian casualties, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. In West Darfur, the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias have targeted non-Arab civilians, engaging in mass killings, sexual violence, and widespread arson.

Food Insecurity

Approximately 25% of the population in the region is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024. Famine was declared in parts of North Darfur in June 2024.

Climate Disasters

The region has experienced its worst drought in 40 years, followed by severe flooding in parts of Sudan and Ethiopia in August 2024.

Humanitarian Needs

Nearly 64 million people in the Horn of Africa require humanitarian and protection assistance, accounting for about 22% of global humanitarian needs in 2024.

Great Lakes Region

While the search results don’t provide specific information about the Great Lakes region, it’s important to note that this area is often affected by similar issues as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, including political instability, armed conflicts, and humanitarian crises.

Sahel

The Sahel region is experiencing a deadly new era in its decades-long conflict:

Escalating Violence

The central Sahel states of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have seen a significant increase in violence. In 2023, conflict fatalities from political violence increased by 38%, and civilian deaths rose by over 18%.

Jihadist Insurgency

The region is engulfed in a decade-long insurgency driven by al-Qaeda’s Sahelian branch (JNIM) and the Islamic State Sahel Province (IS Sahel).

Political Instability

All three central Sahel states are now ruled by military juntas following coups, leading to the withdrawal of French troops and the termination of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali.

Humanitarian Crisis

The Sahel is facing a severe humanitarian and protection crisis that has driven millions from their homes. This situation is expected to deteriorate further in 2024.

Common Themes

Across these regions, several common themes emerge:

Impunity and Governance Issues

Unaddressed historical grievances and impunity for serious crimes continue to fuel widespread violations against civilians.

Climate Change Impact

Extreme weather patterns, including droughts and floods, are exacerbating food insecurity and displacement.

Humanitarian Access Challenges

Attacks on aid workers, looting of assistance, and bureaucratic obstacles are hindering humanitarian operations.

Regional Spillover Effects

Conflicts in one country often lead to refugee crises in neighboring states, straining already limited resources.

Inadequate International Response

There has been meager international assistance in addressing these crises, with short-term gains often prioritized over rights-driven solutions.

Conclusion

As these crises continue to evolve and intersect, they pose significant challenges for regional stability, humanitarian efforts, and the well-being of millions of civilians across the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, and the Sahel.