UN Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Central Africa as Sudan War Drives Mass Displacement

Manama: The United Nations (UN) has warned of worsening security and humanitarian crises in Central Africa, alongside persistent social and economic pressures and increasing restrictions on civil and political rights. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, stated that the region has experienced some positive developments recently, such as the holding of important elections and renewed ambitions by the Economic Community of Central African States to enhance its regional role. According to Oman News Agency, eastern Chad and the Lake Chad Basin are currently the most significant hotspots in Central Africa. The ongoing war in Sudan, now entering its fourth year, has forced over 900,000 Sudanese refugees and approximately 300,000 returning Chadian nationals to seek refuge in Chad since April 2023. This influx has placed immense strain on resources and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Pobee emphasized the importance of the Multinational Joint Task Force in addressing extremist thre ats in the Lake Chad Basin, asserting that regional security cooperation is crucial in combating terrorism and armed violence. She pointed out that security solutions alone will not address the root causes of the crisis and urged international partners and financial institutions to support cross-border development programs in the Lake Chad Basin. These efforts are aimed at stabilizing the region and improving living conditions.