The use of drones in military operations across Africa has raised serious concerns about civilian casualties. A recent report by Drone Wars UK indicates that over 943 civilians have lost their lives in at least 50 drone-related incidents across six African nations between November 2021 and November 2024.
The report, Death on Delivery, highlights the failure of drone strikes to distinguish between armed groups and civilians, often leading to unintended fatalities. Experts believe the actual numbers may be much higher, as many drone programs operate without transparency.
The Surge in Drone Acquisitions
In recent years, at least 10 African nations have acquired Medium Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) drones, citing security needs as the primary reason. Governments argue that drones offer a modern and efficient approach to combating insurgencies. However, the reality is starkly different, with numerous civilian casualties raising concerns about human rights violations.
Cora Morris, the report’s author, explains that drones “lower the threshold for the use of force, making it easier to conduct attacks without direct risk to soldiers.” While this may seem like a strategic advantage, it has resulted in tragic losses among civilian populations.
Nations Most Affected
The report identifies six key nations where drone warfare has had a severe impact:
- Sudan – Civilian areas have been targeted amid internal conflicts.
- Somalia – Drone strikes against armed groups have resulted in frequent civilian deaths.
- Nigeria – Strikes intended for insurgents have mistakenly hit civilian gatherings.
- Burkina Faso & Mali – Drone campaigns have intensified, but civilian casualties remain high.
- Ethiopia – Drone attacks have caused devastation in conflict zones.
Regulating Drone Warfare
With 48 countries now operating drones, experts stress the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent further loss of civilian life. The international community must address gaps in existing arms control agreements to ensure accountability in drone warfare.