Africa: 10 Neglected Humanitarian Crises.
Africa has faced a series of humanitarian crises that, surprisingly, have gone unnoticed on a global scale, due to media interests.
“Global humanitarian needs have never been greater than in 2023.”
“This was reflected in international media coverage, as earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, the war in Ukraine and the unprecedented conflict in the Middle East dominated the news.”
“Many crises in Africa have lasted for a long time, which makes it challenging to raise awareness of this situation, while international coverage focuses on other issues”.
"Said Andrea Barschdorf-Hager, Executive Director of CARE Austria."
CARE is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations and has released a report , now in its eighth consecutive year, based on analysis of news in English, Arabic, French, German and Spanish, revealing a sad reality.
The report analyzes forgotten crises in one way or another that impact millions of lives, from conflicts to climate change. In 2023, all ten of the most underestimated and underreported humanitarian crises occurred in Africa, reinforcing the importance of amplifying these overlooked voices.
Analysis methodology
In collaboration with media control and surveillance service Meltwater, CARE analyzed more than five million online articles in Arabic, English, French, German and Spanish between January and September 2023.
This analysis identified countries affected by conflicts, wars, or natural disasters where at least one million people were impacted. The final list of 48 countries was ranked based on the number of articles published, highlighting in the report the 10 most neglected crises worldwide, which, ironically, or perhaps not, are all located in Africa.
Angola: The Silence That Screams
Angola in Numbers
- 7,3 million: People need humanitarian aid.
- 1 million: Landmines threaten lives.
- 000: People injured due to landmines.
Angola, located in southwest Africa, tops the list of neglected crises again this year, with more than seven million people affected by droughts, floods and famine.
When you think of Angola, the first image that comes to mind is usually the civil war that lasted decades, leaving more than 500.000 people dead. The legacy of this conflict persists, with more than a million landmines posing a constant threat.
Angola, rich in natural resources, faces not only the threat of mines but also extreme natural disasters, including floods and prolonged droughts that severely affect agricultural production.
Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition persist, particularly among children. This panorama shows that Angola faces a profound humanitarian crisis, with 7,8 million people in need of assistance, which requires an urgent response to protect vulnerable populations.
Zambia: Between Drought and Floods
The Crisis Numbers
- 1,35 million: People experiencing food insecurity.
- 60%: Of the population lives below the poverty line.
Zambia, often overlooked, faces significant food challenges. The climate crisis intensifies unpredictable weather patterns, contributing to floods followed by extreme droughts. These catastrophic events have serious implications for food security, with 1,35 million people facing food insecurity.
High food prices force difficult choices, including cutting down trees to produce charcoal or selling livestock. The need for solid climate change policies and development strategies is clear.
Burundi: Between Hunger and Neglect
The Crisis Numbers
- 2,3 million: People suffering from severe food insecurity.
- 70.000: Displaced by natural disasters.
Burundi, historically marked by political instability and ethnic conflicts, is among the most densely populated countries in the world. Natural disasters, including the rising level of Lake Tanganyika, worsen the situation, causing thousands of people to lose their homes.
Malnutrition and food insecurity are reaching alarming levels. Around 2,3 million people face severe food insecurity, worsened by high rates of inflation, making basic foods inaccessible, further complicating people's situation, while access to education shows some progress despite the challenges.
Senegal: The Silent Tides of Hunger
The Crisis Numbers
- 1,4 million: People face food insecurity.
- 60%: Increase in food insecurity in one year.
Senegal, hit by global food and price crises, faces a dramatic increase in hunger, especially during the dry season. Climate change intensifies weather patterns, harming agriculture and affecting food availability.
Rising food prices, especially cereals, require an urgent response. Gender inequality worsens the situation, putting women and girls at greater risk during crises and disasters.
Mauritania: The Multifaceted Challenges
The Crisis Numbers
- 1,1 million: People dependent on humanitarian aid.
- 12,5%: Children between 5 and 14 years old forced to work.
Mauritania, one of the poorest nations in the world, located on the western edge of the Sahara Desert, faces a difficult reality with dry weather conditions and intense flooding. Poverty persists, with more than a million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Reliance on subsistence agriculture makes the country vulnerable to droughts, floods and locust plagues, while regional instability worsens the situation. Child marriage is a significant concern, highlighting the need to address gender issues.
Central African Republic: The Vicious Cycle
The Crisis Numbers
- 6: Births per woman on average.
- 55%: Percentage of children who complete basic education.
The Central African Republic has been dealing with armed conflict, mass displacement and high infant mortality rates for decades, resulting in a persistent humanitarian crisis. Violence, food insecurity and limited access to education seriously affect the population, with 3,4 million people requiring assistance in 2023.
Gender inequality is prominent, with high rates of violence against women and girls. The limited female participation in education and economic life and an average of six births per woman compromises their participation in society, highlighting the urgent need for changes and interventions.
Cameroon: A Confluence of Crises
The Crisis Numbers
- 4,7 million: People need humanitarian aid.
- 45%: Expected increase in assistance needs in 2024.
Cameroon is simultaneously facing crises in the Northwest, in the South, the conflict in the Lake Chad basin and that of refugees from the Central African Republic. In 2023, 4,7 million people were in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Armed conflicts and non-state armed groups destabilize the country, forcing millions to move. Food insecurity affects 11% of the population, with climate change exacerbating natural disasters, affecting agricultural production and food security.
Burkina Faso: The Most Serious Crisis in History
The Crisis Numbers
- 8,8 million: People living below the poverty line.
- 2 million: Internally displaced people since 2019.
Burkina Faso, mired in armed conflicts, military coups and mass displacements, faces an unprecedentedly deep humanitarian crisis. Since 2015, attacks and instability have led to a significant increase in internally displaced people, surpassing 2 million by March 2023.
Political fragility and food insecurity worsen the situation, while the effects of climate change, including droughts and floods, contribute to hunger. Women and girls are especially affected, facing additional challenges in accessing education and gender-based violence.
Uganda: Refugees and Maternal Health
The Crisis Numbers
- 1,5 million: Refugees welcomed.
- 284 per 100.000: Maternal mortality rate.
Uganda, with a remarkable hospitality that is unfortunately not seen in the rest of the world, hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa and despite its incredible natural riches, efforts to accommodate more than 1,5 million refugees, force the country to face significant challenges.
Increased pressure on local communities due to the influx of refugees highlights the need to find sustainable solutions.
Limited access to healthcare, exacerbated by climate and population growth, has contributed to high maternal mortality rates requiring a comprehensive approach to overcome obstacles including food insecurity, unemployment and limited access to basic services.
Zimbabwe: The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The Crisis Numbers
- 70%: Population dependent on subsistence agriculture.
- Sharp increase: Waterborne diseases.
Zimbabwe, despite its natural beauty, faces a combination of extreme poverty and climate crises, witnesses a significant increase in waterborne diseases and struggles with low incomes, food shortages and the impacts of climate change.
With more than 16 million people affected by extreme poverty, recurrent drought is a constant threat to food security. Outbreaks of cholera and typhus due to poor water quality highlight the critical need for investment in behavioral changes and in water and sanitation infrastructure.
Conclusion
In a scenario where many humanitarian crises are neglected and realities are often ignored, it is necessary to reinforce the urgency of acting in the face of these humanitarian crises.
It is imperative that the global community recognizes these situations, providing appropriate financial support and resources to mitigate the suffering. Neglect of these crises needs to be replaced by compassion and collective action.
What do you think of these neglected crises? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
UN report: End of the World is already in 2025
Climate: Have we passed the point of no return?
Picture: © Amina Kaikai / CARE International
