An Update on Ongoing Civil Wars Around the Globe
Civil wars remain one of the most devastating forms of conflict, tearing apart nations, displacing millions, and causing untold human suffering. As of 2023, several civil wars continue to rage across the globe, each with its own unique causes, actors, and consequences. Here is an update on some of the most significant ongoing civil wars:
1. Syria
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, remains one of the most complex and protracted conflicts in modern history. While the intensity of the fighting has diminished in recent years, the war is far from over. The Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, controls much of the country, but opposition groups and Kurdish-led forces still hold significant territory in the north and northwest. The humanitarian crisis remains dire, with millions of Syrians displaced internally or living as refugees in neighboring countries. The recent earthquakes in February 2023 exacerbated the suffering, further straining already limited resources.
2. Yemen
The Yemeni civil war, which erupted in 2014, pits the internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, against the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. Despite a fragile truce brokered in 2022, sporadic violence continues, and the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic. Millions of Yemenis face famine, disease, and a lack of basic services. Efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement have stalled, leaving the country in a state of precarious limbo.
3. Myanmar
Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has descended into a brutal civil war. The junta faces widespread resistance from ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and newly formed People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands and led to widespread atrocities, including mass killings and airstrikes on civilian areas. The international community has struggled to respond effectively, and the situation shows no signs of abating.
4. Ethiopia
The Tigray conflict, which began in November 2020, officially ended with a peace agreement in November 2022. However, tensions remain high, and other regions in Ethiopia, such as Oromia and Amhara, are experiencing renewed violence. Ethnic and political divisions continue to threaten the country’s stability, and the humanitarian fallout from the war in Tigray—including widespread famine and displacement—remains unresolved.
5. Sudan
Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has devastated the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including Darfur. Thousands have been killed, and millions have been displaced, creating one of the fastest-growing humanitarian crises in the world. International mediation efforts have so far failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire.
6. Afghanistan
While the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021 ended the decades-long war between the U.S.-backed government and the Taliban, resistance groups like the National Resistance Front (NRF) continue to wage an insurgency. The Taliban’s harsh rule has also sparked localized uprisings and protests, particularly among women and ethnic minorities. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with widespread poverty and food insecurity.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC has been plagued by civil war and localized conflicts for decades. In 2023, the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its operations in the eastern provinces, displacing hundreds of thousands. The Congolese government, supported by UN peacekeepers, is struggling to contain the violence, which is fueled by ethnic tensions and competition over the region’s vast mineral resources.
8. Libya
Libya remains divided between rival factions: the UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar in the east. While large-scale fighting has decreased since the 2020 ceasefire, political instability and sporadic violence persist. Efforts to hold elections and unify the country have repeatedly stalled, leaving Libya in a state of fragile peace.
9. Colombia
Although the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) ended one of the longest-running civil wars in history, violence continues in rural areas. Dissident FARC factions, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and other armed groups are engaged in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and clashes with government forces. The situation has worsened under President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” initiative, which has struggled to gain traction.
10. Central African Republic (CAR)
The CAR has been embroiled in civil war since 2012, with various rebel groups vying for control of the country’s resources. Despite a peace agreement signed in 2019, violence has escalated in recent years, particularly between the government, backed by Russian mercenaries, and the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC). The conflict has displaced nearly a quarter of the population and left the country in a state of chronic instability.
Conclusion
Civil wars continue to be a major source of global instability, with profound humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical consequences. While some conflicts have seen tentative steps toward peace, others have escalated or remained intractable. The international community faces significant challenges in addressing these crises, from mediating peace talks to providing humanitarian aid and holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable. As these wars drag on, the human cost continues to mount, underscoring the urgent need for sustained and coordinated efforts to bring about lasting peace.
This article provides a snapshot of the current state of civil wars worldwide, but the situation remains fluid, with new developments likely to emerge in the coming months.