Internal displacement in Africa has tripled in 15 years

With 35 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 2023, Africa faces a complex crisis intertwining conflicts, violence, and natural disasters.

The shadow of an invisible crisis: internally displaced persons in Africa

In 2023, Africa recorded more than 35 million internally displaced persons, victims of conflicts, violence, and natural disasters. These alarming figures, reported by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), reveal a silent yet devastating crisis. As the continent prepares to tackle multiple challenges, these displacements reflect the complex dynamics of a changing world, where the lines between war, climate, and economic survival blur.

A silent explosion: tripling displacement in 15 years

Over the past 15 years, the number of internally displaced persons in Africa has tripled, rising from approximately 12 million in 2008 to 35 million in 2023. These striking figures lack the visibility given to refugees crossing international borders. Yet, internally displaced persons—who remain within their country—experience similar upheavals: loss of livelihood, breakdown of family and cultural structures, and heightened vulnerability to exploitation.

The most affected regions include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, and Sudan. These five countries account for 80% of Africa’s internally displaced population, each grappling with persistent conflicts, waves of violence, and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

Conflicts and violence: the historical drivers of displacement

Violence remains the primary cause of internal displacement. In the DRC, clashes between armed groups and foreign incursions create endless cycles of destruction and flight. The Kivu region in eastern DRC illustrates the scale of the crisis: separated families, forcibly recruited child soldiers, and entire communities forced to flee their villages under militia threats.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram and intercommunal conflicts in the north fuel a steady flow of displacement. Violence in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, worsened by often ineffective military responses, leaves millions homeless and insecure.

In Ethiopia, the civil war in the Tigray region has forced millions to flee their homes since 2020. While peace negotiations are ongoing, achieving lasting stability remains a challenge.

Natural disasters: climate as a magnifier

Climate change worsens an already critical situation. Floods, accounting for 75% of disaster-induced displacements in 2023, force millions of people to leave their homes annually. Droughts, responsible for 11% of displacements, devastate farmland and worsen food insecurity.

In the Horn of Africa, a historic drought has left over 20 million people on the brink of famine, forcing them to migrate to less-affected areas. These movements are not merely responses to climatic conditions but reflect deep despair and an urgent need for survival.

An overlap of causes: conflict and climate

The causes of displacement in Africa are not exclusive. Armed conflicts and natural disasters often overlap, creating complex crises where displaced people endure successive waves of upheaval. In Somalia, for instance, Al-Shabaab militia attacks often coincide with devastating floods, trapping populations in a cycle of flight and return.

These overlaps leave displaced persons in prolonged states of vulnerability. Many never return to their original homes, building precarious lives in camps or host communities, which are often under pressure themselves.

Economic and social consequences

Internal displacement imposes heavy burdens on local and national economies. Displaced persons, deprived of livelihoods, cannot contribute economically, while governments must allocate significant resources to their housing, education, and healthcare. Local authorities, often ill-equipped, struggle to manage these massive flows.

Additionally, displacement disrupts social dynamics. Host communities, although often generous, feel the strain of mass arrivals. Tensions can escalate, fueling new conflicts. In the DRC, clashes between local communities and displaced populations are frequent, exacerbating an already volatile situation.

The Kampala convention: an untapped solution

Adopted in 2009 by the African Union, the Kampala Convention is the world’s first legally binding treaty dedicated to the protection of internally displaced persons. It sets standards to prevent forced displacement, protect displaced persons’ rights, and seek durable solutions.

Despite its ratification by 34 African countries, implementation remains a challenge. While legal frameworks exist, financial resources and political will often fall short. Alexandra Bilak, director of the IDMC, stresses the need for stronger diplomacy and conflict transformation to address this crisis.

Toward an integrated approach

Addressing this crisis requires an integrated approach. This involves tackling the root causes of conflicts, strengthening climate resilience, and improving social and economic infrastructure. Peacebuilding efforts must be combined with investments in agriculture, education, and health to give displaced persons a chance to rebuild their lives.

International partners also play a crucial role. Humanitarian aid must be complemented by long-term development initiatives, ensuring displaced populations are not forgotten once emergencies subside.

A human crisis, not just an African one

Internal displacement in Africa is not an isolated issue. It reflects global dynamics where climate change, economic inequalities, and armed conflicts intersect. This humanitarian crisis demands global attention, as local solutions alone will not suffice.

By shedding light on this complex reality, we acknowledge not only the suffering of millions but also their courage in the face of adversity. Africa’s internally displaced persons, though often invisible, embody humanity’s resilience against despair.

Notes and references

IDMC Report (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre)
The primary source of data on internally displaced persons in Africa. The November 2023 report analyzes the main causes (conflicts, violence, and natural disasters) and proposes solutions.
➡️ Official website of the IDMC

The Kampala Convention (2009)
The first legally binding treaty dedicated to the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons in Africa. Entered into force in 2012 and has been ratified by 34 African countries.
➡️ Full document available on the African Union website

Key figures on displacement caused by climate-related disasters
The annual report on climate and migration, published by the IDMC and the Red Cross, highlights how floods and droughts have increased displacement across Africa.
➡️ Detailed report: Climate Displacement Data

Studies on conflicts in Africa

• Human Rights Watch: Analysis of armed conflicts in the DRC, Nigeria, and the Horn of Africa.
• International Crisis Group: Recommendations for conflict resolution.
  ➡️ HRW | ICG

Climate change and forced migration in Africa
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report shows the growing impacts of global warming on vulnerable populations.
➡️ Summary for policymakers: IPCC

Testimonies from internally displaced persons
Field articles by independent journalists or NGOs (Médecins Sans Frontières, Amnesty International) provide a human perspective through personal stories.
➡️ MSF | Amnesty

The role of international institutions

• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees): The link between refugees and internally displaced persons.
• World Bank: Economic studies on the impact of displacement on infrastructure and local economies.
  ➡️ UNHCR | World Bank

Historical data on African conflicts
UN and African Union archives document the dynamics of prolonged conflicts in the DRC, Sudan, and the Sahel region.

Academic publications

• Climate Change and Forced Migration in Africa by Robert McLeman (2015).
• The Dynamics of Internal Displacement in Africa by Erin Mooney (2008).