Africa is being challenged to brace itself as aid leaves the continent to focus on Ukraine.

Whether it’s political instability or a natural disaster, the effects of these events last across continents. There is one group, however, that has been left alone and with scant help after these events: African countries.

Aid from donor countries was instrumental in helping Africa rebuild after the war and prevent famine for many years. In South Sudan, despite the formation of a unity government, major projects in the country are still dependent on foreign aid.

But this narrative must change as quickly as possible. Enough of the focus on humanitarian aids and donor organizations. 

The youth of the country seek out and fight for the job opportunities provided by this aid organization since the country’s workers are not paid regularly. Therefore, most youths prefer to work for these donor and international organizations within the country.

Not only are those aids and such opportunities dwindling due to recent global economic downturns, but most donor countries are also now shifting their attention away from Africa and focusing on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

We can see how African countries have become not only vulnerable but also fragile to such events. It’s imperative for Africans to understand how they have become so reliant on the goodwill of other nations in order to make a change. This will ensure that no more children will go hungry.

This has to change. Oil prices are skyrocketing and it is high time for Africans to utilize this turnaround judiciously. Aid agencies are expressing concern that the crisis in Ukraine is causing donors to cut funding for other emergencies – including conflicts in West Africa and droughts in the east of the continent.

NGOs, such as the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam, report a 70% cut in aid in Burkina Faso amid a jihadist conflict. This is to support their operations in Ukraine.

As a result, more than 1.7 million people have fled their homes due to jihadist violence.

In Somalia, the UN is warning that the Ukraine crisis means more funding problems for a drought affecting nearly a third of the population.

Throughout the world, poverty levels have shot up due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the impact of climate change continues to cause havoc and food prices have been soaring.

Another war will make things even more difficult.