Internal displacement in Africa

African solutions to African problems? Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Internal displacement is regarded as the new African dilemma. It has gained prominence over the problem of refugees that has haunted the African continent for years. The issue of internal displacement has not just emerged recently, it has existed for a while but various political and social-economic factors have given the matter preference. Areas in Africa that are regarded as serious focal points for internal displacement include the Horn of Africa, the Great lakes region and some parts of Western and Southern Africa. For purposes of this article the main area of focus is the Great lakes region of Eastern and Central Africa. This paper will discuss internal displacement and its effects in the Great Lakes region, taking into account the various descriptions of ‘internal displacement, prevalent reasons for internal displacement in Africa, existing regional, sub-regional and national mechanisms put in place to address the problem of displacement as well as the successes and challenges faced by the African continent in addressing internal displacement.