While political conflicts like Israel-Palestine, Ukraine-Russia, or U.S. elections dominate global headlines, Africa remains largely overlooked. Despite widespread chants of “From the river to the sea,” the ongoing suffering in Sudan and the Congo barely registers. Black suffering is happening across the continent right now, and barely anyone’s paying attention. Let’s talk about what’s really going down — and why staying informed isn’t optional.

Some of these stories will shock you. Others are downright gut-wrenching — and all of them demand our attention.

Sudan – Civil War & Ethnic Cleansing

War between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ignited back in April 2023, and has since displaced over 10 million people. In Darfur, there are credible reports of ethnic cleansing targeting non-Arab communities, including mass killings and gender-based violence. The horrific conflict has forced over 8 million people to flee their homes, while some 5 million are at risk of starvation, per PBS. 

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Resource War & Sexual Violence

Conditions are growing worse in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as attacks at the hands of armed rebel militias skyrocket, leading to an alarming increase in sexual violence targeting both women and children. “In the face of this unprecedented security and humanitarian crisis, the situation for women and children continues to deteriorate,” UN officials warned, per United Nations News.

The country faces mass displacement, rape as a weapon of war, and illegal resource exploitation, especially for coltan (used in electronics). Over 6 million people have died since the 1990s.

Ethiopia – Tigray Genocide & Starvation

The Tigray War (2020–2022) — a civil conflict between Ethiopia’s National Defense Force (ENDF) and their allies (including Eritrea) against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) — saw the systematic use of starvation, mass killings, and sexual violence. They struck a peace deal, but tens of thousands are still missing or displaced. Humanitarian access is restricted, and atrocities may be ongoing under the radar.

Nigeria – Boko Haram, Mass Kidnappings, and State Violence

More than a decade of terrorism from Boko Haram has killed tens of thousands. Girls continue to be kidnapped, schools attacked, and civilians terrorized in Nigeria’s northeast. Separatist movements and violent crackdowns by police also plague the south and southeast. Boko Haram is a militant Islamist group in northeastern Nigeria, aiming to topple the government and impose strict Sharia law. #ProtectBlackGirls

Cameroon – Anglophone Crisis

The Anglophone Crisis, also known as the Ambazonia War of Independence, is an ongoing armed conflict in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Since 2016, the government has brutally suppressed the Anglophone minority seeking independence or greater autonomy. Thousands have died in the conflict, with reports of villages being razed, extrajudicial killings, and the silencing of journalists and activists.

Somalia – Al-Shabaab Terror and Starvation

Somalia is battling ongoing attacks from the Islamic extremist group Al-Shabaab — who emerged in the mid-2000s — while facing famine conditions worsened by drought and global neglect. Civilians are trapped between government, U.S. drone strikes, and militants, with humanitarian aid frequently blocked.

Burkina Faso – Jihadist Attacks and Military Coups

The rise of armed Islamist groups has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis — over 2 million displaced. The country has also undergone two military coups since 2022, further destabilizing the region and enabling extremist violence to go unchecked. Burkinabé military officer and politician, Ibrahim Traoré — who took control of Burkina Faso in 2022 — is now being regarded as a savior, after positioning himself as a revolutionary leader fighting Western influence… and so far, the people seem to be on his side. 

Mali – Ethnic Massacres & French Withdrawal Fallout

Following the withdrawal of French troops, militant attacks have surged. Ethnic tensions between Fulani and Dogon groups have led to massacres and retaliatory killings, and the junta’s military rule has led to human rights violations.

South Sudan – Ongoing Civil Conflict

Although they gained independence in 2011, South Sudan remains riddled with ethnic violence, political instability, and famine. Women and children are often the targets of systematic sexual violence, and nearly 8 million people are in need of aid.

Central African Republic (CAR) – Warlord Rule & Religious Violence

Since 2013, fighting between Muslim Seleka and Christian anti-Balaka militias has led to mass displacement and brutal atrocities against civilians. Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group now operate in the region, committing human rights abuses — most disturbingly, with impunity.

Eritrea – Dictatorship & Forced Conscription

Under President Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea is one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Citizens, including children, are forced into indefinite military service, with dissent punished by imprisonment, torture, or death. While the law specifies an 18-month service period, in reality, many end up serving indefinitely, often lasting for decades. Critics have likened these harsh practices to a form of slavery. 

Mozambique – Cabo Delgado Insurgency

In the north of Mozambique, Al-Shabaab have waged a brutal insurgency since 2017, leading to beheadings, rapes, and burned villages, even as recent as reports dated 2024. The fight over liquified natural gas reserves has drawn in foreign mercenaries and militaries, escalating violence.

Rwanda/DRC Tensions – Proxy War Brewing

Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group in DRC — the location we covered in No. 2 — which has displaced hundreds of thousands. This proxy conflict has the potential to explode into a regional war, with innocent people caught up in the crossfire. It’s a powder keg, barely mentioned in global coverage… if at all. At this very moment, many are on edge regarding what’s to come next.