Displaced Persons in the Horn of Africa Surge to 20.4 Million
The number of displaced persons in the Horn of Africa has reached a staggering 20.4 million, up from 19.9 million just two months ago, according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The increase is largely attributed to heightened conflict and seasonal flooding, particularly in Sudan and Burundi.*
Sudan has witnessed the most significant rise in displacement, with internal displacement reaching 11.4 million people, up from 10.7 million in August. This marks a grim milestone, as it is the first time the country has recorded more than 11 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) since the conflict began earlier this year. The outbreak of violence in April 2023, compounded by seasonal flooding, has forced millions from their homes, with 8.3 million displaced within Sudan and an additional 3.1 million fleeing to neighboring countries.
“The situation in Sudan has escalated dramatically, with millions facing violence, insecurity, and displacement,” the IOM stated in its report. “The ongoing conflict and subsequent flooding have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.”
In addition to Sudan, other countries in the region are also grappling with large IDP populations. Somalia currently has 3.5 million IDPs, while Ethiopia follows closely with 3.3 million, and South Sudan reports 2 million displaced persons.
The report also highlighted the significant drivers of displacement across the region, including conflict, drought, floods caused by heavy rains, and widespread food insecurity. These factors have disproportionately affected Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, where large numbers of people have been forced from their homes in search of safety and resources.
As of October 2024, the region also hosts 5.1 million refugees and asylum seekers, a slight decrease from 5.4 million in August. Despite this reduction, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions of individuals relying on humanitarian assistance.
In terms of food insecurity, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) report that 65 million people across the Horn of Africa are facing food insecurity, with 36 million of them living in IGAD member states. These figures underscore the widespread hunger crisis, which continues to worsen amid ongoing conflicts and environmental challenges.
The IOM and other humanitarian organizations have called for increased international support to address the growing needs of displaced populations and to mitigate the impact of ongoing crises in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with hopes for a resolution to conflicts in Sudan and other affected countries uncertain, leaving millions of people in desperate need of humanitarian aid and protection.
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