Africa, as of 2024, is plagued by over 35 active armed conflicts, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). The most severely affected countries include the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia alone has resulted in over 600,000 deaths and displaced more than 2 million people since it began in November 2020.
Civilians bear the brunt of these conflicts. Reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that civilians account for 70% of casualties across Africa’s conflict zones. In Nigeria, over 10,000 children have been forcibly recruited by armed groups like Boko Haram over the past decade. Additionally, more than 6,000 women and girls have suffered gender-based violence in conflict areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past five years.
The economic and humanitarian impacts of these conflicts are staggering. The World Bank estimates that armed conflicts have cost Africa approximately $150 billion in lost GDP annually. In Somalia, the damage to infrastructure due to ongoing conflict is estimated at $1.5 billion, affecting over 300 schools, 100 hospitals and thousands of businesses. The UNHCR reports that Africa hosts 30 million of the world's 82 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of 2024, with South Sudan alone accounting for over 4 million refugees and IDPs.
Terrorism - both indigenous and foreign influenced - remains a significant threat across the continent. The Global Terrorism Index ranks Nigeria as the third most affected country by terrorism, with over 2,043 attacks in the last year. Groups such as Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab are responsible for 60% of terrorist incidents in Africa. In Mali, terrorist attacks have resulted in over 1,500 deaths and 3,000 injuries in the past year. The economic impact of terrorism in the Sahel region is estimated at $20 billion annually.
Efforts to address these challenges include African Union peacekeeping missions, which have deployed thousands of peacekeepers to conflict zones across the continent since their inception. However, these missions face significant challenges, including lack of funding, logistical issues and political resistance. International support has been crucial, with the United Nations providing substantial aid and support through various missions and programs. Joint operations between the African Union and international partners have yielded some positive outcomes, yet the road to lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles.
The long-term effects of these conflicts on African societies are profound. Conflict-affected regions show significantly lower school enrollment rates compared to peaceful regions. Health services in these areas have deteriorated, with a stark shortage of hospitals and medical staff. Psychosocial impacts are also severe, with studies revealing high rates of PTSD among children and elevated levels of depression and anxiety among adult populations in conflict zones.
These facts and figures underscore the severe and the complex impact of conflict and violence in Africa. They highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address the root causes of these conflicts and to promote peace, security and development across the continent.