HIGHLIGHTS
Conflict and adverse climatic conditions continue to drive humanitarian needs in the region
Acute sectoral needs continue to be reported in Ethiopia
Flood preparedness in full swing as El Niño expected to cause serious flooding in the region
Civilian death tolls and human rights violations on the rise in Burundi
Urgent access needed to prevent food crisis in Unity State, South Sudan
Regional humanitarian outlook
Resurgence of violence and worsening climatic conditions to remain a threat in eastern Africa
On 23 October humanitarian partners together with donors convened to discuss the humanitarian outlook for the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region. The report presented a four-month trend analysis from June to September 2015 and a humanitarian outlook from October to December 2015. During this period, resurgence in violence in Burundi and South Sudan could lead to an increase in both internal and cross border movements. UNHCR is forecasting an additional 184,000 refugees by year-end, bringing the total number of refugees in the region to 3.37 million.
Climatic conditions are forecast to worsen over the coming months, leading to increased food insecurity. Drought conditions persist in South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and primarily Ethiopia where number of food insecure increased from 2.9 million people at the start of 2015 to a projected 15 million people in early 2016. Excessive rain could lead to flooding, directly affecting more than 2 million people especially in Kenya and Somalia. This could result in localised displacement and increased incidence of communicable diseases.
Consequently, funding requirements in the region have risen largely due to increased need due to El Niño and increased displacement. In Ethiopia, with the additional needs identified during the mid-year review, requirements increased from $386 million to $432 million. The Burundi regional refugee appeal was adjusted from $207 million to $306 million as the projected number of refugees was increased from 230,000 to 320,000 by the end of September 2015. Most appeals remain underfunded, with the majority being less than 50 per cent funded at year-end.