As of June 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has registered over 71,000 missing persons across Africa, according to a statement released on the International Day of the Disappeared.
This year’s theme is “We Who Remain Behind Remember.”
Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa, revealed that this figure marks a 75 percent increase from the 40,708 cases recorded in 2019. Youssef highlighted that Africa faces the highest caseload of missing persons, unaccompanied children, and family reunifications based on ICRC-registered cases.
In Nigeria alone, the ICRC said it has registered approximately 24,000 missing persons, though this likely represents only a fraction of the actual number. Youssef mentioned that over half of these cases involved children at the time of their disappearance.
“In the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, for example, volunteers from the Nigerian Red Cross have been working to deliver Red Cross messages to families who have lost contact with their loved ones due to armed conflict. The ICRC provides these families with mental health support, legal advice, and, in some cases, financial support,”
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He further stated that “The issue of missing persons, including those who forcibly disappeared, remains one of the most damaging and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts and other situations of violence for all loved ones, whether a waiting wife or a heartbroken one,” Youssef said.
He elaborated that behind every missing person are many others suffering from the anguish and uncertainty. “It’s a humanitarian tragedy for families, one that has consequences across all of society,” he added.
Youssef attributed the high number of disappearances to protracted armed conflicts in Africa, which have led to the loss of thousands of people. He also noted that natural disasters, often worsened by climate change, and dangerous migratory journeys contribute to the problem.
The International Day of the Disappeared, observed annually on August 30, aims to raise awareness of the missing, honor their memories, and alleviate the emotional distress of their families. Youssef emphasized the need for heightened international efforts to prevent and address the issue of missing persons.
“Political will is an essential step to obtain the necessary resources to respond to this issue, including cooperation between authorities at both national and international levels,” Youssef stressed. He pointed out that missing persons can include both civilians and combatants who might be arrested, detained, or held incommunicado.
Under international humanitarian law, state authorities are responsible for clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons. However, Youssef noted that these authorities might lack the necessary resources, knowledge, or political will. “The ICRC and national societies can play a crucial role,” he said.
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