In West Africa, the crisis is largely driven by violent extremism linked to Al-Qaeda affiliates and Islamic State (IS) franchises operating in the Sahel, northern Nigeria, and the wider Lake Chad Basin. Countries most affected include Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These groups exploit weak governance, poverty, and local grievances to expand their influence. As a result, communities face frequent attacks, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of livelihoods, all of which contribute to widespread displacement and deepening humanitarian crises across the region.

In the Horn of Africa and Central Africa, displacement is primarily the result of state–substate and non-state conflicts. Countries such as Somalia and the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as Chad, are heavily affected. These regions are characterized by prolonged civil wars, insurgencies, and ethnic tensions, often involving multiple armed groups. The complexity of these conflicts makes resolution difficult and leads to repeated cycles of displacement, with civilians frequently caught between opposing forces.

Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo account for the highest numbers of internally displaced persons, as both countries continue to experience intense internal clashes. In the DRC, the resurgence of the M23 rebel group has escalated violence in the eastern region, forcing many to flee. In Sudan, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated urban and rural areas alike. Other countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan also report substantial levels of displacement due to ongoing instability and internal tensions.

In North Africa, Libya remains the only country facing internal conflict or the persistent threat of it. Although current levels of internal displacement are relatively low compared to other regions, the country continues to struggle with political fragmentation and the presence of armed groups. The fragile security situation means that the risk of renewed violence, and therefore increased displacement, remains a constant concern.

In Southern Africa, the Cabo Delgado region of northern Mozambique has also experienced significant displacement due to the activities of an IS-affiliated insurgent group locally referred to as Al-Shabaab. The violence has targeted civilians and key infrastructure, forcing many people to flee their homes. This has created a humanitarian crisis in the region, with displaced populations relying heavily on aid and facing uncertain living conditions.

Although many African countries, including some affected by these crises, are recording impressive economic growth rates, development efforts are consistently undermined by persistent threats to physical security. Conflict disrupts economic activities, discourages investment, and damages infrastructure, making it difficult for governments to sustain progress. As a result, the benefits of growth are often unevenly distributed, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

More concerning is the fact that, apart from a few countries in Southern Africa and a handful in West Africa, many African states without active internal conflicts share borders with at least one country experiencing instability. This proximity increases the risk of conflict spillover, as armed groups and displaced populations move across borders. It also places additional pressure on neighboring countries to manage refugee flows and maintain security.


Given the continent’s often porous borders, this situation poses widespread security and geopolitical risks across Africa. Weak border controls make it easier for weapons, fighters, and illicit activities to spread, further destabilizing already fragile regions. This interconnected nature of insecurity highlights the need for coordinated regional responses and stronger border management systems.

There is an urgent need for collective action. African countries must work together to address these challenges before they escalate further and become even more difficult to contain. Strengthening regional cooperation, improving governance, and addressing the root causes of conflict will be essential in reducing displacement and promoting long-term stability across the continent.