The power struggle between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar has driven South Sudan’s crisis since its 2011 independence. Kiir, a Dinka, and Machar, a Nuer, have fueled ethnic and political tensions. Their rivalry escalated into civil war in 2013 when Kiir sacked Machar as vice-president, sparking violence that killed 400,000 and displaced millions. A 2018 peace deal formed a unity government in 2020, but unimplemented provisions like army unification kept tensions high. In March 2025, Kiir ordered Machar’s arrest for alleged rebellion, nullifying the peace deal and risking renewed conflict. Ethnic divisions, economic collapse from a 2024 oil pipeline burst, and delayed elections worsen the crisis. Machar’s detention has displaced over 50,000, compounding South Sudan’s humanitarian disaster with famine and regional instability looming. The UN and regional powers urge dialogue, but ongoing mistrust threatens further violence.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis driven by escalating violence, particularly in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Since December 2024, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu, leading to thousands of deaths and displacing over 7.3 million people internally, with 1 million seeking asylum abroad. The conflict, fueled by ethnic tensions, political instability, and competition over mineral resources like cobalt and coltan, has caused widespread human rights abuses, including sexual violence and indiscriminate shelling. Over 25 million people face food insecurity, and disease outbreaks like cholera and Mpox are worsening due to strained healthcare systems and poor camp conditions. Humanitarian access is limited, and regional mediation efforts have faltered, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

North Africa feels distinct from Sub-Saharan Africa due to the Sahara Desert’s geographic divide, shaping different climates and economies. Historically, North Africa integrated with Mediterranean and Islamic worlds, adopting Arab culture and language, while Sub-Saharan Africa’s diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms evolved separately. Culturally, North Africa’s Arab-Islamic identity contrasts with Sub-Saharan Africa’s varied traditions and religions. Politically, North Africa aligns with the Arab world, while Sub-Saharan Africa focuses on pan-African ties. Colonial legacies further deepened these divides.