For the second consecutive year, African nations dominate the list of the world’s most overlooked humanitarian emergencies, according to a 2024 report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). The study highlights severe underfunding, donor disengagement, and a lack of global attention to crises displacing millions across the continent.
Key Findings
- Cameroon, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Mali, and DR Congo are among the top 10 most neglected crises.
- Funding shortfalls left $25 billion in unmet humanitarian needs globally in 2024—over half of what aid agencies required.
- Eight African crises were also ranked as the most ignored in 2023, showing little improvement.
- The U.S., once the largest aid donor, slashed development funding this year, worsening the gap.
Why Are These Crises Ignored?
- Donor Fatigue – Wealthy nations are reducing foreign aid amid rising nationalist policies.
- Low Media Coverage – Crises far from Europe or deemed “less strategic” receive minimal attention.
- Stalled Diplomacy – Many conflicts see little progress in peace talks or disaster prevention.
Christelle Hure (NRC Advocacy Head, West/Central Africa) told Al Jazeera:
“Too many African crises remain in the shadows—ignored because they don’t make headlines or aren’t seen as urgent to global powers.”
The Human Cost
Millions face displacement, hunger, and violence with dwindling support. For example:
- Cameroon struggles with conflict and climate shocks.
- DR Congo’s protracted war has displaced 6.9 million people.
- Burkina Faso’s jihadist violence has left 2 million needing aid.
What’s Next?
With 2025 aid budgets shrinking further, experts warn of escalating suffering unless:
- Donors recommit to funding.
- Media amplifies overlooked crises.
- Diplomacy prioritizes African conflicts.
The Bottom Line: While global attention drifts, Africa’s worst humanitarian disasters continue to fester—unseen and underfunded.
