Africa

Situation analysis

The Great Lakes Region (above, DRC) is a good example of a
sub-region with intertwined conflicts and vulnerabilities.

Sub-Saharan Africa has seen considerable progress toward solving conflicts and consolidating peace, led by countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Burundi that were once torn by civil war but are now on the path to long-term development.

However, the region remains prone to armed conflict, political instability and State collapse, often in areas where fragile or failing states neighbor one another.

In 2011, presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire led to a four-month stand-off resulting in armed violence, displacement and extensive physical damage. The region is still home to complex political situations, protracted crises or political and religious violence.

Newly-independent South Sudan will present a unique challenge, faced with the tasks of nation- and State-building in a security situation that remains highly volatile.

Africa is also prone to natural disasters, including extreme weather events, which can have devastating consequences for human development. This is exemplified by recent events in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, where droughts, leading to failed harvests and food price increases, have created pockets of acute food insecurity.

UNDP's work and mission on the ground

UNDP works to strengthen the capacities of African countries so they can prevent and recover from crises, paving the way for long-term development. UNDP helps to prevent violent conflict, working with local communities and governments to manage disputes through inclusive participation and dialogue.

We focus on women, who are disproportionately affected by conflict. In the aftermath of conflict, UNDP supports national authorities to deliver essential public services – including security, access to justice and the rule of law -- and gain control of their recovery process as quickly as possible. By facilitating early recovery, UNDP supports households, ex-combatants, their associated members and internally displaced people so they can recover their livelihoods through employment and income-generation activities.

We also work to ensure disaster risk reduction and climate risk management are built into national and local development plans, with a strong institutional basis for implementation.

Read more on UNDP's crisis prevention and recovery work in Africa