By Maryanne Koima – Art in Tanzania intern
International Relations program.
Africa has experienced numerous wars and conflicts, some of which are still ongoing. These conflicts have had a profound impact on the people, economy, and stability of the affected countries. This blog post will examine the effect of war in Africa up to 2023.
One of the most significant effects of war in Africa is the displacement of people. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there will be 20.7 million refugees worldwide by the end of 2021. Africa has the most significant number of refugees globally, with over 7.2 million refugees in 2021. Many refugees result from ongoing conflicts in countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The displacement of people has resulted in a strain on resources in host countries, leading to an increased demand for humanitarian assistance.
Another significant effect of war in Africa is the loss of life. Thousands have died due to conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the DRC. The loss of life has resulted in a significant demographic imbalance, with the working-age population reduced, which in turn leads to slower economic growth.
The economy of countries affected by war is significantly impacted. The cost of war, including the destruction of infrastructure, has led to a loss of productivity, resulting in reduced economic growth. In addition, the displacement of people has resulted in a loss of labour, which has also impacted the economy.
The ongoing conflicts have also resulted in political instability. The political instability has made it challenging for these countries to attract foreign investment, reducing their capacity to rebuild infrastructure and promote economic growth.
In conclusion, the effects of war in Africa till 2023 have been significant. The displacement of people, loss of life, impact on the economy, increase in poverty, and political instability are some critical effects of war in Africa. The international community must continue to support African countries affected by war to ensure a peaceful and stable future for the continent.
