Africa, a continent of immense beauty and diversity, is also home to some of the world’s most significant humanitarian challenges. Conflict, political instability, climate change, and economic hardship have forced millions of people to flee their homes, seeking safety and refuge. Refugee camps, often established by international organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), provide temporary shelter and basic services to displaced populations. However, these camps are often overcrowded, underfunded, and face numerous challenges.

In this blog, we will explore the 10 biggest refugee camps in Africa, delving into their histories, the challenges they face, and the resilience of the people who call them home. These camps are not just temporary shelters but microcosms of human endurance, hope, and the urgent need for global solidarity.

1. Dadaab Refugee Complex, Kenya

• Location: Northeastern Kenya, near the Somali border.

• Established: 1991.

• Population: Over 200,000 refugees (as of 2023, down from a peak of nearly 500,000).

• Primary Nationalities: Somali, Ethiopian, South Sudanese.

Dadaab is one of the most well-known refugee camps in the world. Established in 1991 during the Somali Civil War, it has grown into a complex of five camps: Dagahaley, Hagadera, Ifo, Ifo II, and Kambioos. The camp has faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, limited resources, and security concerns due to its proximity to Somalia.

Despite these challenges, Dadaab has become a semi-permanent home for many refugees. Schools, hospitals, and markets have been established, creating a semblance of normalcy. However, the Kenyan government has repeatedly called for the camp’s closure, citing security and economic concerns, leaving the future of its residents uncertain.

2. Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

• Location: Northwestern Kenya, near the South Sudanese border.

• Established: 1992.

• Population: Over 190,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: South Sudanese, Somali, Congolese, Ethiopian.

Kakuma Refugee Camp was established to host Sudanese refugees fleeing the Second Sudanese Civil War. Over the years, it has expanded to accommodate refugees from across the region. The camp is divided into four sections and is managed by the UNHCR and its partners.

Kakuma faces significant challenges, including water scarcity, food insecurity, and limited educational opportunities. Despite these hardships, the camp has become a hub of innovation and resilience. Organizations like the Lutheran World Federation and Windle International Kenya provide education and vocational training, empowering refugees to build better futures.

3. Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda

• Location: Northern Uganda, near the South Sudanese border.

• Established: 2016.

• Population: Over 230,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: South Sudanese.

Bidi Bidi is the largest refugee settlement in Africa and one of the largest in the world. It was established in response to the influx of South Sudanese refugees fleeing civil war. Unlike traditional camps, Bidi Bidi is a settlement where refugees are allocated plots of land to build homes and cultivate crops.

Uganda’s progressive refugee policy allows refugees to work, move freely, and access public services. However, the settlement faces challenges such as limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation due to deforestation. Despite these issues, Bidi Bidi stands as a testament to Uganda’s commitment to refugee rights and integration.

4. Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Tanzania

• Location: Northwestern Tanzania, near the Burundian and Congolese borders.

• Established: 1996.

• Population: Over 150,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Congolese, Burundian.

Nyarugusu Refugee Camp was initially established to host Congolese refugees fleeing the Second Congo War. In 2015, it saw a massive influx of Burundian refugees following political unrest in Burundi. The camp is overcrowded, with limited access to clean water, healthcare, and education.

Tanzania has a strict encampment policy, restricting refugees’ movement and economic opportunities. This has led to frustration and protests among camp residents. Despite these challenges, organizations like the Red Cross and UNHCR continue to provide essential services, striving to improve living conditions.

5. Mbera Refugee Camp, Mauritania

• Location: Southeastern Mauritania, near the Malian border.

• Established: 2012.

• Population: Over 60,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Malian.

Mbera Refugee Camp was established to host Malian refugees fleeing conflict in northern Mali. The camp is located in a remote and arid region, making access to resources like water and food a constant challenge. Despite these difficulties, the camp has become a haven for thousands of families.

The Mauritanian government, UNHCR, and partner organizations provide basic services, including healthcare and education. However, funding shortages and the harsh environment remain significant obstacles. Many refugees hope to return home, but ongoing instability in Mali makes this uncertain.

6. Dollo Ado Refugee Complex, Ethiopia

• Location: Southeastern Ethiopia, near the Somali border.

• Established: 2011.

• Population: Over 170,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Somali.

Dollo Ado is a complex of five refugee camps established to host Somalis fleeing drought, famine, and conflict. The camps are located in a remote and inhospitable region, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Access to water, healthcare, and education is limited.

Ethiopia has a long history of hosting refugees and maintains an open-door policy. However, the country’s limited resources and the sheer scale of the crisis have strained its capacity. Despite these challenges, the camps provide a lifeline for thousands of Somali families.

7. Goudoubo Refugee Camp, Burkina Faso

• Location: Northern Burkina Faso, near the Malian border.

• Established: 2012.

• Population: Over 10,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Malian.

Goudoubo Refugee Camp was established to host Malian refugees fleeing conflict in northern Mali. The camp is located in the Sahel region, which is prone to drought and food insecurity. Despite its relatively small size, the camp faces significant challenges, including limited resources and security concerns.

Burkina Faso, one of the world’s poorest countries, struggles to provide adequate support to refugees. The UNHCR and partner organizations provide essential services, but funding shortages remain a critical issue. Many refugees hope to return home, but ongoing instability in Mali makes this uncertain.

8. Ali Addeh Refugee Camp, Djibouti

• Location: Southern Djibouti, near the Somali and Ethiopian borders.

• Established: 1991.

• Population: Over 15,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Somali, Ethiopian.

Ali Addeh Refugee Camp was established to host Somali refugees fleeing civil war. Over the years, it has also accommodated Ethiopian refugees. The camp is located in a remote and arid region, making access to resources like water and food a constant challenge.

Djibouti, a small and resource-scarce country, relies heavily on international aid to support refugees. The UNHCR and partner organizations provide basic services, but funding shortages and the harsh environment remain significant obstacles. Many refugees have lived in the camp for decades, with limited prospects for resettlement or return.

9. Tongogara Refugee Camp, Zimbabwe

• Location: Southeastern Zimbabwe, near the Mozambican border.

• Established: 1984.

• Population: Over 15,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Mozambican, Congolese, Burundian.

Tongogara Refugee Camp was established to host Mozambican refugees fleeing civil war. Over the years, it has also accommodated refugees from other countries. The camp is located in a remote region, with limited access to resources and services.

Zimbabwe, facing its own economic and political challenges, struggles to provide adequate support to refugees. The UNHCR and partner organizations provide essential services, but funding shortages remain a critical issue. Many refugees hope to return home or resettle in third countries, but opportunities are limited.

10. Minawao Refugee Camp, Cameroon

• Location: Northern Cameroon, near the Nigerian border.

• Established: 2013.

• Population: Over 70,000 refugees.

• Primary Nationalities: Nigerian.

Minawao Refugee Camp was established to host Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram insurgency. The camp is located in a remote and arid region, making access to resources like water and food a constant challenge. Despite these difficulties, the camp has become a haven for thousands of families.

Cameroon, facing its own security and economic challenges, relies heavily on international aid to support refugees. The UNHCR and partner organizations provide basic services, but funding shortages and the harsh environment remain significant obstacles. Many refugees hope to return home, but ongoing instability in Nigeria makes this uncertain.

Conclusion: A Call for Global Solidarity

The 10 biggest refugee camps in Africa highlight the immense challenges faced by displaced populations and the urgent need for global solidarity. These camps are not just temporary shelters but symbols of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit. However, they also underscore the limitations of humanitarian aid and the need for long-term solutions to conflict, poverty, and climate change.

As the world grapples with unprecedented levels of displacement, it is crucial to remember that refugees are not just statistics but individuals with dreams, aspirations, and the right to live in dignity. By supporting humanitarian efforts, advocating for peace, and addressing the root causes of displacement, we can help create a world where no one is forced to flee their home.

This blog provides a snapshot of the challenges and resilience within Africa’s largest refugee camps. While the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, the stories of hope and perseverance remind us of the power of collective action and compassion.