Africa Experiences Alarming Rise in Missing Persons Cases

By Mike Odeh James

Nairobi (ICRC)

A recent surge in missing persons cases has been reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Africa, with a staggering 71,000 individuals registered as missing across the continent as of June 2024.

This marks a significant 75% increase from the previous recorded number in 2019, solidifying Africa’s position as the continent with the highest number of missing persons, unaccompanied children, and family reunifications.

Prolonged armed conflicts, devastating natural disasters, and treacherous migration journeys have all contributed to the alarming rise in missing persons cases.

According to Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s regional director for Africa, “The issue of missing persons has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only families but entire communities, and must be addressed with urgency and compassion.”

The ICRC is urging governments and authorities to take concrete actions to prevent and respond to this crisis, including providing necessary resources and cooperation to determine the fate and whereabouts of missing individuals.

To address this issue, the ICRC is implementing various initiatives, including providing mental health support, legal guidance, and financial assistance to affected families.

In Nigeria, the ICRC has registered an astonishing 24,000 individuals as missing, with over half being children at the time of their disappearance.

The ICRC is calling for a more resolute international effort to prevent and respond to the issue of missing persons, including increased political will and cooperation between authorities.