Trump’s withdrawal of vital support could deepen existing conflicts, create additional humanitarian challenges, and exacerbate instability across these regions
Countries like South Sudan, DR Congo and Somalia, which are already dealing with severe humanitarian crises, including famine and displacement, may lose vital support.
Other regions in Africa already plagued by wars and internal crises are likely to worsen as foreign aid diminishes, further escalating tensions.
Trump’s executive order takes effect
In 2024, the U.S. provided approximately $6.6 billion in humanitarian assistance to sub-Saharan Africa.
However, Trump’s order suspends all U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days to review their alignment with his policy goals.
If Congress approves the deep cuts, experts warn Africa’s drought and famine crises could worsen, triggering increased migration to Europe and heightened support for extremist groups.
African nations currently face numerous challenges that are being mitigated with U.S. aid and if this aid were to stop, several key challenges could worsen;
Humanitarian crises
Africa is the region with the largest percentage of the population facing hunger.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), nearly 282 million people in Africa (20% of the population) were undernourished in 2022, an increase of 57 million since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around 868 million people faced moderate to severe food insecurity, with over one-third (342 million) experiencing severe food insecurity.