In September 2024, INSO reported a total of 114 NGO-related incidents, a slight decrease attributed to lower activity in DRC and Nigeria. However, fatal incidents in Ukraine and DRC, along with ongoing disruptions from armed groups and government operations, highlighted persistent risks for NGO personnel. Key incidents included injuries from an IED in Somalia and detentions in Sudan, alongside new challenges in Mozambique and escalated violence in Middle Eastern regions.
In September 2024, the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO) documented a total of 114 incidents affecting non-governmental organizations (NGOs), representing a slight decrease primarily attributed to lower incident rates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria. However, tragic events, including fatalities in both Ukraine and the DRC, highlighted the specific dangers that NGO personnel continue to face in these regions. In Nigeria, widespread flooding in the northeast likely contributed to a reduction in organized armed group (OAG) activity and criminal acts impacting NGO workers. In contrast, operations by OAGs and governmental forces against them have impeded access in various areas. For instance, in Somalia, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Al-Shabaab (AS) injured two civilians at a project site operated by an NGO in Jubaland. Furthermore, in Sudan, increased incidents of detention of NGO staff by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) indicate a growing trend of interference with humanitarian efforts. Meanwhile, in Mozambique, government actions against the Islamic State in Mozambique (IS-M) have introduced new obstacles to NGO operations, as IS-M members are reportedly reorganizing in the southern regions of the country. In the broader Middle East, attention has shifted towards Lebanon; however, escalating violence in the West Bank persists, alongside an ongoing major military operation by Israeli forces in Gaza City.
The safety of NGO workers significantly varies by region, often influenced by local conflicts, natural disasters, and operational constraints arising from interactions with government forces and armed groups. In September 2024, the conditions affecting NGOs in regions like DRC, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Mozambique, and the broader Middle East underscored the complexities and dangers that humanitarian personnel face. Factors such as flooding, armed group activities, and military operations all contribute to the challenges faced by NGOs in these areas, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptation to maintain access and safety for humanitarian work.
In conclusion, while there was a slight reduction in NGO incidents in September 2024, the persistent and contextually rooted risks remain a significant concern for humanitarian workers. The interplay of environmental factors, organized armed groups, and government actions continues to shape the landscape of NGO operations, underscoring the necessity for continued awareness and strategic planning to ensure safety and effectiveness in their mission to provide assistance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
