Skip to content

List of African Countries with the Highest Estimated War-Related Death Tolls

African conflicts have severely impacted the daily routines of the affected areas. Hospitals are finding it hard to function, schools remain shut, and many communities have been forced to relocate. In countries such as Northern Burkina Faso and Eastern DRC, conflicts have significantly...

List of African Nations Reported to Have the Highest Number of Estimated War-Related Deaths
List of African Nations Reported to Have the Highest Number of Estimated War-Related Deaths

In the vast and diverse continent of Africa, conflict and violence continue to pose significant challenges, causing loss of life, displacement, and strained public services. Here's a snapshot of some of the ongoing conflicts and their estimated casualties as of 2024.

Ethiopia The Tigray Conflict, which erupted in late 2020, has resulted in an estimated 7,846 casualties. Despite a ceasefire declaration, ethnic tensions and sporadic clashes persist in the North, leading to reports of mass displacement, starvation, and human rights abuses beyond death.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) The DRC is among the countries with the highest numbers of registered deaths due to violence. Armed conflicts involving groups such as the M23 militia and state forces in eastern regions like Kivu have caused this violence, with an estimated 3,503 casualties. This conflict is recognized as the main cause of violence-related deaths in the country.

Sudan Sudan's civil war, both the one that started in April 2023 and the ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and the army, has resulted in a combined estimated total of 18,402 casualties, making it Africa's deadliest ongoing conflict by death toll. The current war, unlike other African conflicts, is not about religion or ideology, but a brutal struggle for power between rival generals, with civilians bearing the consequences.

Mali Jihadist attacks mainly in the North and Central regions of Mali have led to an estimated 3,180 casualties. The insecurity worsened after the 2020 coup, and the new military government has struggled to control the vast territory.

Nigeria The prolonged terrorist Insurgency in the North East of Nigeria has resulted in an estimated 7,096 casualties. Terrorists have evolved their tactics to include mass abductions and complex attacks on military bases.

Cameroon Cameroon suffers from two persistent forms of violence: separatist violence in the southwest and Boko Haram's operations in the North, contributing to an estimated 1,561 casualties.

South Sudan Ethnic clashes, particularly between the Dinka and Nuer communities in South Sudan, have resulted in an estimated 858 deaths. The thin line between politics and tribalism in the region often causes regional war.

Central African Republic (CAR) The CAR's ongoing civil war, which started in 2012, has resulted in an estimated 536 casualties. The conflict is primarily driven by conflicts between the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian anti-Balaka militias.

Burkina Faso Extremist violence in the East and North of Burkina Faso has resulted in an estimated 6,241 casualties. The conflict has led to severe consequences such as the massive massacre of an entire village and the complete shutdown of health centers and schools.

Niger Violence in Niger is fueled by political instability, including a 2023 coup, and jihadist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. This has led to an estimated 1,469 casualties.

These conflicts in West and Central Africa, including terrorist insurgency, civil wars, and intercommunal violence, often lead to loss of life, displacement, disrupted economies, and strained public services. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace and stability in these regions.

Read also: