Great Lakes Horn Africa Urgent Crisis of Lives

Navigating Crisis: Lives in the Great Lakes & Horn of Africa

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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The Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions, vast and rich in human potential, are currently at the epicenter of a profound humanitarian crisis. For our people across these lands, life has become a relentless struggle. Persistent conflict and political instability have created a devastating cycle of displacement and suffering. This multifaceted crisis is also severely worsened by the harsh realities of climate-related disasters. Millions of our family members, our brothers and sisters, are facing famine, forced to flee their homes, and desperately require global attention and support. This disaster demands a deeper understanding and a collective, compassionate response from communities worldwide.

A Deep Look into Displacement

The Great Lakes region, a cradle of African civilization, is now grappling with severe displacement. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the M23 crisis alone has forced over 3.7 million people from their homes (Civilians Face Humanitarian Disaster in Great Lakes, Horn of Africa Conflicts). This rebel paramilitary group, known as the March 23 Movement (M23), primarily operates in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in North Kivu province. Since the early 2000s, the M23 has carried out violent attacks against the Congolese military, United Nations peacekeepers, and civilians (Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker). The tragic consequences of their actions have been immense.

Further exacerbating this dire situation, the conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, continues to inflict immense suffering (Civilians Face Humanitarian Disaster in Great Lakes, Horn of Africa Conflicts). This breakdown in the transition to civilian rule has led to widespread violence and displacement (Civilians Face Humanitarian Disaster in Great Lakes, Horn of Africa Conflicts). In Sudan and South Sudan, recent conflicts have resulted in more than 25 million displaced individuals, with over 150,000 precious lives lost (Civilians Face Humanitarian Disaster in Great Lakes, Horn of Africa Conflicts). The violence has pushed the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to over 7 million, with many fleeing violent attacks (Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker). A tragic 30 percent increase in grave violations against children has also been reported, highlighting the immense harm to our youngest and most vulnerable members (Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker). These figures paint a stark picture of the widespread human toll.

The Famine Threat and Statistical Realities

The Horn of Africa is a cherished part of our continent, but approximately 90 million people there stand at grave risk of famine (Civilians Face Humanitarian Disaster in Great Lakes, Horn of Africa Conflicts). This devastating threat stems from a combination of prolonged drought, increasingly erratic climate change, ongoing armed conflict, and economic instability. These factors combined disrupt crucial food production and access, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition among our people. Furthermore, rising food prices further exacerbate the crisis, making it incredibly difficult for our vulnerable communities to access essential sustenance and survive.

By mid-2024, the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region together hosted about 5.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers (East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes – UNHCR Global Focus). In addition, 18.8 million people were internally displaced (East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes – UNHCR Global Focus). Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are individuals who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, or disasters, but they remain within their own country’s borders. On the other hand, refugees have crossed an international boundary to seek safety. For example, in 2024, over 20,000 individuals were assisted to return to their homes (Regional update – East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes). However, rising inflation severely complicated their reintegration efforts (Regional update – East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes). Reintegration involves rebuilding lives and livelihoods in places of return or resettlement. However, increased living costs due to inflation make it challenging to afford shelter and food, hindering progress towards stability.

Understanding Regional Dynamics

The East and Horn of Africa typically includes countries such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Sudan. Sometimes Kenya and Uganda are also counted within this broader definition. The Great Lakes region, a name evocative of its majestic freshwater bodies, generally encompasses the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and parts of Uganda and Tanzania. The humanitarian disaster gripping these regions is rooted in complex, long-standing issues that disproportionately affect our communities.

Conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan, for example, are driven by a ruthless competition for resources, such as land and water, alongside deep-seated ethnic and political rivalries. Weak governance and historical grievances have also fueled cycles of violence. External interference further complicates these situations, intensifying insecurity and leading to mass displacement amongst our people. The M23 rebel group’s resurgence, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a major driver of this crisis. Their attacks have led to much of the displacement in 2024, with reports indicating that 80 percent of recent displacement is directly attributable to armed conflict (Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker). Furthermore, the group has seized control of strategic towns and lucrative mining areas, intensifying the violence and pushing more of our people from their homes (March 23 Movement | Britannica). Alarmingly, the M23 is reportedly backed by Rwanda, with evidence of Rwandan troops supplying training, weapons, and military technology to the rebel group (March 23 Movement | Britannica). This external support complicates efforts for peace and stability, prolonging the suffering of innocent civilians.

Humanitarian Efforts and Future Outlook

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a vital lifeline for our displaced communities. It is the lead United Nations agency responsible for protecting and assisting refugees globally (UNHCR Global Focus). In many places, its mandate also extends to internally displaced persons and stateless individuals. The agency coordinates international efforts to provide essential, life-saving aid to displaced populations, ensuring access to emergency shelter, nourishing food, vital healthcare, and critical protection services globally.

UNHCR and its partners have diligently provided life-saving assistance to those affected by conflicts and natural disasters, including the destructive El Niño floods (Regional update – East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes). El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific. This warming can trigger heavy rains, leading to severe flooding in regions like East Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and parts of Sudan and South Sudan. In the Great Lakes region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania may also experience related floods. These floods can submerge communities, destroy agricultural lands, and displace large populations, worsening the humanitarian crises our people already endure. Although vital, current efforts for aid are often stretched thin and often insufficient due to the immense scale and intricate nature of displacement, the continuation of conflicts, and persistent funding constraints. Many humanitarian organizations report that available resources simply do not meet the overwhelming needs, particularly in crises that have lasted for extended periods.

For 2025, UNHCR has established a comprehensive plan focusing on three core pillars: protection, empowerment, and securing solutions for refugees and IDPs (UNHCR Global Focus). Protection involves ensuring the safety and fundamental rights of displaced individuals. Empowerment focuses on building resilience by promoting skills development, education, and access to job opportunities, allowing our people to rebuild their lives with dignity. Securing solutions means supporting durable outcomes, such as voluntary repatriation to their homes, local integration into host communities, or resettlement in new countries. These efforts require substantial investment, with a budget allocation of over $2.002 billion for these crucial endeavors (UNHCR Global Focus). UNHCR will additionally continue its emergency response and recovery efforts while strengthening resilience-building initiatives to prepare communities for future challenges (Regional update – East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes). Regional governments and international bodies, such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), work alongside UN agencies. Their collaboration often involves peace talks, delivering humanitarian aid, monitoring ceasefires, and supporting economic development. However, these crucial partnerships often face significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions and limited resources.

A humanitarian disaster is a large-scale crisis caused by armed conflict, displacement, and environmental disturbances. It leads to loss of life, food insecurity, lack of basic services, and immense suffering among civilians. Our people face severe risks of starvation, disease, and the loss of shelter, along with constant exposure to violence and exploitation. The demographic breakdown of displaced populations often reveals a tragic reality: women and children constitute a large portion of those forced to flee. Additionally, vulnerable groups like the elderly and various ethnic minorities often face particular hardship in these dire circumstances. Addressing this complex crisis requires a sustained, collaborative effort from global communities, one that honors the resilience and humanity of our African brothers and sisters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.