The Interplay of Multi-Factorial Crises in East Africa
A severe ongoing drought continues to ravage Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, where over 23 million people are deprived of access to food and water. Elsewhere, the conflict in Sudan has forced more than 1.4 million people to flee their homes to escape the fighting. These people need emergency assistance to survive. This exodus is putting additional pressure on neighbouring countries, such as South Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, as these countries face their own challenges.
Conflict, the Economy and Climate – Factors Behind a Catastrophic Humanitarian Situation
The humanitarian situation in this region is the result of a vicious cycle of conflict, droughts, food insecurity, malnutrition, limited access to water, forced displacement, floods, epidemics and limited pasture renewal.
The conflict in Sudan is unfolding in a dire humanitarian context where the entire region is severely weakened by climatic conditions and economic shocks, including high global inflation. The millions of people fleeing the conflict in Sudan have poured into Chad, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, increasing pressure on humanitarian interventions in these countries, which are already insufficient to stem the crises.
The persistent drought conditions, first observed in 2020, continued through 2023 in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, where over 23 million people are struggling with severe food and water shortages.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the largest number of people facing food insecurity in the world, with 26.4 million people, a quarter of the country’s population.
A Large-Scale Nutrition and Health Crisis Requiring a Humanitarian Response Proportionate to the Needs
Currently, populations in East Africa are experiencing unprecedented levels of food and nutrition insecurity. The most marginalized populations, particularly women and girls, as well as displaced and refugee persons, will be the hardest hit.
The Médecins du Monde network is active in the region, particularly in Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia, with various projects addressing the challenges in the aforementioned areas.
The Canadian government has announced that it will match donations from Canadians up to a total of 5 million dollars by June 30.
Médecins du Monde is a Member of the Humanitarian Coalition
The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) brings together 12 leading aid organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to support international humanitarian disasters. The HC also partners with Global Affairs Canada to enable its member organizations to respond to lesser-known disasters of small and medium scale.
