The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Horn of Africa reached a new high of 20.4 million in October, up from 19.9 million in August, as reported by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Thursday. This rise was largely attributed to increased displacement in Sudan and Burundi.
Sudan alone accounted for 11.4 million IDPs, an increase from 10.7 million in August, spurred by continued conflict and seasonal flooding. According to the IOM, this is the first time Sudan’s displaced population has surpassed 11 million since conflict broke out.
“Since the conflict’s onset in Sudan in April 2023, 11.4 million people have been forcibly displaced, including 8.3 million within Sudan and 3.1 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries,” the IOM’s report noted.
Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan also face substantial displacement, with IDP numbers reaching 3.5 million, 3.3 million, and 2 million, respectively.
The report highlighted key displacement drivers, including conflict, floods, drought, and food insecurity, which have severely affected countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. In addition, the Greater Horn of Africa saw a decrease in refugees and asylum seekers, with the total standing at 5.1 million in October, down from 5.4 million in August.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with 65 million people across the region affected as of October. Of these, 36 million are in IGAD member states, according to a joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
