Signal Water-Related Conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa Surge 36% — 76 Cases in 2024

Summary

Water-related conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa rose 36%, from 56 cases in 2023 to 76 in 2024, according to the Pacific Institute's 2025 report. Maria Pinzon, Global Head of Water Systems for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, warned that without change, Africa could see over 1,000 water-related conflicts per year by mid-century. Security incidents in the Lake Chad basin rose 23% between 2023 and 2024, concentrated especially in Cameroon and Nigeria, according to UN-OCHA reporting. A 2022 UN University report found that only 13 of Africa's 54 countries have achieved even modest levels of water security. The increase compounds overlapping climate and food crises.