Africa’s role as a sanctuary for refugees is increasingly recognised, as the continent continues to host millions of people fleeing wars, violence, and persecution. While global conflicts rage on in regions such as Syria, Afghanistan, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Africa has become refuge for those displaced by such turmoil.
In 2023, Africa hosted approximately 30% of the world’s refugees—a staggering figure that reveals the continent’s generosity amidst its own challenges. As conflicts intensify worldwide, Africa has become the largest refugee-hosting region, providing shelter to millions who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.
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Africa’s Burden
Despite grappling with political instability, economic difficulties, and the impacts of climate change, African nations have maintained open borders to accommodate refugees. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 18 million refugees and asylum seekers resided in Africa by the end of 2023. Many of these individuals fled conflicts in neighbouring regions, including Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic (CAR).
In countries such as Uganda, the refugee population exceeded 1.5 million by 2023, making it one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations. Ethiopia also stands out as a major host, accommodating over 900,000 refugees, primarily from Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan. Similarly, Kenya provides sanctuary to over 500,000 refugees, predominantly from Somalia and South Sudan, despite limited resources and overcrowded conditions.
Africa as a Lifeboat in a Stormy Sea
The metaphor of Africa as a lifeboat navigating turbulent seas aptly captures the continent’s role in the refugee crisis. Just as a lifeboat offers shelter from a storm, African countries extend their hands to those escaping the fury of conflict. However, the growing refugee population places immense strain on these nations’ infrastructures and social systems. For instance, Kenya’s Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps rank among the largest in the world, housing refugees in overcrowded conditions. Despite these challenges, African nations continue to demonstrate unparalleled compassion by providing vital resources.
Kenya’s Commitment to Refugees
As of 31 May 2024, Kenya hosted 774,370 refugees and asylum seekers. This population comprises 561,060 (72%) refugees and 213,310 (28%) asylum seekers. Compared with April 2024, the population increased by 4,145 individuals, largely due to new arrivals from South Sudan, Burundi, the DRC, Somalia, and Ethiopia, as well as the resumption of registration in Dadaab.
By 31 May 2024, Dadaab’s population stood at 382,658 individuals. Kakuma’s registered population reached 288,206, including 212,283 in Kakuma Camp, 73,786 in Kalobeyei settlement, and 2,137 in Eldoret. Meanwhile, the registered population in urban areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru totalled 103,506.
In 2023, the Kenyan government, alongside organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, prioritised providing education, healthcare, and vocational training for refugees. More importantly, Kenya fostered the integration of refugees into local communities by granting access to farmland and enabling children to attend local schools. This inclusive approach allows refugees to rebuild their lives rather than remain in a state of limbo.
By the end of May 2024, 568 individuals were assisted in voluntarily returning to their countries of origin, while 751 refugees were resettled in various nations, bringing the cumulative resettlement total to 1,575 for the year. Additionally, 624 cases were closed or inactivated due to reasons such as spontaneous departures, deaths, or data corrections.
Africa’s Open-Border Policies: A Lesson for the World
Africa’s approach to hosting refugees offers valuable lessons for other regions, particularly Europe, which has increasingly tightened its borders. As mass migration continues from war-torn regions such as Syria and Afghanistan, European countries have adopted restrictive asylum policies, leading to overcrowded camps and perilous journeys across the Mediterranean. In contrast, Africa’s open-border policies highlight that compassion and solidarity can prevail even under challenging circumstances.
Uganda, for example, has implemented a progressive refugee policy that allows refugees to own land and settle within local communities. This policy, which restores dignity and promotes self-sufficiency among refugees, has been globally praised. By 2023, Uganda hosted over 1.5 million refugees, mainly from South Sudan, and is regarded as a world leader in refugee policy. Such initiatives make a compelling case for why other nations should adopt similar inclusive practices as global migration trends evolve.
The Road Ahead
While Africa’s leadership in hosting refugees is commendable, the continent faces significant challenges. Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and the Sahel region have led to rising numbers of asylum seekers, placing immense pressure on already strained resources. According to the UNHCR, over 4 million people from Sudan alone were displaced by 2023.
Climate change further exacerbates the refugee crisis. Increasingly frequent droughts and floods are creating a surge in environmental refugees, demanding innovative solutions and international collaboration. Sustainable funding and infrastructure support from the global community are essential to ensure African nations can continue their vital work. The responsibility of hosting displaced populations must be shared equitably worldwide.
As conflicts and displacement persist, other regions, particularly Europe and North America, must learn from Africa’s example. By prioritising compassion and inclusivity, Africa has shown that integrating refugees is not only feasible but also beneficial to local communities. The world must embrace policies that uphold human dignity and solidarity, drawing inspiration from Africa’s resilience in the face of adversity.
