Civil wars have wreaked havoc in many parts of the world over the past decade, leading to immense loss of life, displacement of millions, and long-lasting societal and economic destruction. Here are seven regions that have been devastated by civil wars in the last decade.
1. Syria (2011–present)
The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, remains one of the most brutal and devastating conflicts of the 21st century. The war erupted after peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime were violently repressed, leading to widespread unrest and a full-scale civil war. Over the last decade, the conflict has drawn in international powers, including Russia, the United States, and Iran, and has led to the involvement of various militant groups like ISIS. Over 500,000 people have died, and millions have been displaced both internally and as refugees. Cities like Aleppo and Raqqa have been almost entirely destroyed, leaving a nation in ruins.
2. Yemen (2014–present)
Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when Houthi rebels, a Shia minority group, seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and forced the government into exile. The conflict escalated into a proxy war, with a Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government and Iran allegedly supporting the Houthis. The war has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with widespread famine, disease outbreaks, and the destruction of vital infrastructure. As of 2024, the conflict has left more than 230,000 people dead, many of them civilians, and millions on the brink of starvation.
3. Libya (2014–2020)
Following the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya descended into chaos, with rival factions vying for control of the country. The civil war that began in 2014 saw fierce fighting between the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. Various foreign powers, including Turkey, Russia, and the UAE, became involved, further complicating the conflict. The war devastated Libya’s economy, destroyed infrastructure, and caused widespread displacement. Although a ceasefire was agreed upon in 2020, the situation remains fragile, with the country still divided and in turmoil.
4. South Sudan (2013–2020)
The world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, plunged into civil war in 2013, just two years after gaining independence from Sudan. The conflict started as a political power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar, and quickly escalated into ethnic violence. The war has led to over 400,000 deaths and displaced millions. Despite several peace agreements, the country remains deeply divided, with sporadic violence continuing in some regions. The civil war has devastated South Sudan’s economy, left its infrastructure in tatters, and created a severe humanitarian crisis.
5. Central African Republic (2012–present)
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been embroiled in a civil war since 2012 when Seleka, a coalition of rebel groups, overthrew the government. The country descended into violent chaos as predominantly Muslim Seleka fighters clashed with Christian militias known as anti-Balaka. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to widespread human rights abuses, including massacres, sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers. Despite the presence of UN peacekeepers, the country remains unstable, with armed groups controlling vast swathes of territory and civilians suffering the brunt of the violence.
6. Ethiopia (Tigray War, 2020–2022)
The Tigray War, which broke out in November 2020 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has devastated the northern Tigray region of Ethiopia. The conflict began after a political dispute between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and TPLF leaders escalated into full-scale war. The fighting has led to widespread atrocities, including massacres, sexual violence, and starvation. Although a peace deal was signed in late 2022, the war left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, with many parts of Tigray still facing a humanitarian crisis due to destroyed infrastructure and ongoing food shortages.
7. Ukraine (2014–present)
While the conflict in Ukraine escalated dramatically in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion, the war began much earlier in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. Cities like Donetsk and Luhansk have been turned into war zones, with civilian populations caught in the crossfire. The full-scale invasion in 2022 by Russian forces further escalated the crisis, causing immense destruction, particularly in regions like Mariupol and Kharkiv. The war continues to have far-reaching global consequences.
Conclusion
These seven civil wars have not only resulted in the loss of countless lives but have also left millions of people displaced, destroyed infrastructure, and created long-term societal fractures. The international community continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of these conflicts, many of which remain unresolved or ongoing. Ending civil wars and addressing their root causes is essential to building sustainable peace in these regions.