The escalating conflicts in Africa are a major driver of the increasing number of refugees and asylum seekers across the continent.
Also natural disasters such as famine and other environmental challenges, have also compelled individuals to flee their home countries in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Individuals in need of international protection include prospective asylum seekers, recognized refugees, and those granted complementary, subsidiary, or temporary forms of protection, as well as others in refugee-like situations.
As of 2023, there were 117.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and others in need of international protection.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) defines an asylum seeker as “someone seeking international protection from dangers in their home country, but whose claim for refugee status has not yet been legally determined.”
Upon obtaining refugee status, the affected individual receive international legal protections and lifesaving aid from organizations like the International Rescue Committee, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The report also added that 5.8 million people were in need of international protection.
According to the UNCHR data, the table below shows the African countries that had the highest number of asylum seekers in 2024
| Rank | Country | Number of Asylum seekers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sudan | 465,160 |
| 2 | Somalia | 226,721 |
| 3 | DR Congo | 159,860 |
| 4 | Ethiopia | 147,250 |
| 5 | Eritrea | 124,045 |
| 6 | Burkina Faso | 118,885 |
| 7 | Nigeria | 81,320 |
| 8 | Guinea | 50,911 |
| 9 | Cameroon | 47,227 |
| 10 | Chad | 45,846 |
During the same period, 68.3 million people were internally displaced, 37.9 million people were confirmed refugees while eight million were asylum seekers.
