By the end of 2019, the East and Horn of Africa hosted an estimated 6.3 million IDPs and 3.5 million refugees and asylum seekers. Migration in the region is still triggered by a combination of persistent insecurity and conflict, harsh climatic conditions, public heath emergencies alongside socio-economic drivers and more traditional seasonal and livelihood factors. The region observed a growing trend in intercommunal clashes, particularly in Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan, in addition to abnormal climatic events such as a severe drought, devastating floods and a critical desert locust invasion, all of which affected the EHoA in its entirety.

The Regional Office for the East and Horn of Africa oversees, plans, coordinates and supports IOM activities within the region through its network of country offices. The Regional Office has a liaison and coordination role with the East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to enhance regional cooperation and dialogue on migration and contribute to their enhanced understanding of migration issues.

Access the IOM East and Horn of Africa Strategy (2020-2024).

IOM produces regular updates on trends and statistics relating to migration.