East Africa Faces Ongoing Instability
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on March 1, 2026
The Horn of Africa faces significant political violence and instability. This includes civil conflicts, actions by militias and Islamist groups, and insurgencies across the region, which generally encompasses Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. A wider definition, the Greater Horn of Africa, also includes Kenya, Sudan, and South Sudan.
Sudan Conflict
A civil war in Sudan, beginning in April 2023, has resulted in widespread destruction. The conflict has led to Sudan’s inclusion on the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project’s (ACLED) Conflict Watchlist.
South Sudan Violence
Renewed violence in South Sudan emerged in 2025, impacting the existing 2018 power-sharing agreement.
Ethiopia’s Civil Conflicts
Instability in Ethiopia began in 2018 following a change in leadership within the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front. Subsequent civil conflicts, power struggles, and disputes within ethnic groups have contributed to violence and civilian targeting.
Somalia and Al-Shabaab
Somalia has experienced decades of armed conflict and political instability due to factors such as clan disputes and the al-Shabaab insurgency. Somali forces, along with regional and international partners, have been engaged in combating al-Shabaab since the mid-2000s. Al-Shabaab militants have also conducted operations in Kenya, while Kenya also faces challenges from pastoralist militias.
