Verisk Maplecroft Says Escalating Conflicts Affecting 10% of Africa

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYNovember 22, 2024 at 9:22 AM UTC

TLDR

Conflicts spread across 10% of Africa, with violence worsening particularly in Sudan, Sahel region, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Security deteriorates as leaders in affected countries struggle to combat Islamist insurgencies.
Nigeria experiences a significant increase in fighting, affecting 44% of its territory, due to insurgency, kidnappings, and banditry.

Conflicts have spread across 10% of Africa, with violence intensifying over the past three years, according to a report by Verisk Maplecroft. The advisory firm highlighted worsening security in Sudan, where a civil war has raged for 19 months, and across the Sahel region following multiple coups.

Leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who came to power promising to combat Islamist insurgencies, have seen security deteriorate. Burkina Faso faces the most pronounced escalation, with 86% of its territory embroiled or near conflict zones.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has also seen fighting double in scope, affecting 44% of its territory. The nation grapples with an Islamist insurgency, kidnapping-for-ransom operations, and widespread banditry. Verisk Maplecroft warns of worsening violence in 2025, with research director Hugo Brennan citing indicators that suggest further escalation.

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Key Takeaways

The report underscores a growing crisis in Africa, fueled by political instability and the spread of armed conflicts. Sudan and the Sahel region are flashpoints, with rising violence in Burkina Faso reflecting the failure of military juntas to deliver security. Nigeria’s escalating challenges, marked by diverse security threats, emphasize the continent-wide implications of worsening instability. Without coordinated regional and international interventions, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, impacting millions and hindering development efforts.

Economy

Conflicts

Africa

Nigeria

Sudan

Burkina Faso