The Horn of Africa has been plagued by widespread wartime atrocities and humanitarian crises, with governments grappling for effective solutions amidst minimal international assistance. The region’s historical grievances, coupled with impunity for serious crimes, have led to rampant violations against civilians, demonstrating a dire need for global intervention.
According to Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2024, the conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia have inflicted staggering humanitarian consequences, including loss of life, widespread displacement, and destruction of property. Government forces and armed groups in these countries have openly flouted international law with impunity, resulting in dire humanitarian consequences for civilians.
In Sudan, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to catastrophic effects on civilians, characterized by the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas and the deliberate targeting of non-Arab civilians, leading to mass killings, sexual violence, and widespread arson. Similarly, in Ethiopia, despite international efforts to promote accountability and end abuses after a cessation of hostilities agreement, limited action has been taken to address crimes against humanity and grave abuses, notably in Amhara and Tigray.
The humanitarian impact of these conflicts has been severe, displacing millions across the region and exacerbating existing crises. The international community’s response to the escalating humanitarian needs has been grossly inadequate, with appeals for aid remaining largely underfunded. Humanitarian operations have been hindered by attacks on aid workers, looting of assistance, and bureaucratic obstacles, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, the UN Security Council’s response to civilian harm and displacement in Sudan and Ethiopia has been minimal, failing to prioritize accountability in any political settlement of the conflicts. While there have been some positive steps, such as the establishment of an independent international fact-finding mission to investigate abuses in Sudan, more robust and meaningful action is urgently required from regional and global actors.
Efforts to promote accountability in Ethiopia have suffered major setbacks, with the discontinuation of UN scrutiny over the human rights situation, despite critical reports. Victims of serious abuses continue to express deep mistrust in domestic institutions’ ability to provide accountability.
Mausi Segun, Africa director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgent need for international and regional organizations, as well as influential governments, to prioritize ongoing human rights and humanitarian crises and address the lackluster approach that has left those in need deeply disappointed.
The dire situation in the Horn of Africa calls for swift, sustained, and meaningful international intervention to protect civilians, ensure accountability for violations, and address the root causes of these crises. The world must not turn a blind eye to the pressing humanitarian needs in East Africa and must work collectively to bring an end to the cycle of abuses and impunity that continue to endanger the lives of civilians.
