Key points
- 110 armed conflicts ongoing in 2025
- Middle East tops the list with most conflicts
- 35 armed conflicts raging in Africa
ISLAMABAD: Armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions across the globe are reaching a critical threshold.
While some conflicts grab media attention, others rage in obscurity, causing unimaginable suffering.
According to the Geneva Academy – a Geneva-based forum that tracks and classifies situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law – there are 110 armed conflicts ongoing in 2025.
The organisation also provides information about parties, the latest developments, and applicable international law.
Middle East and North Africa
As per the academy, more than 45 armed conflicts are raging across the Middle East and North Africa.
Number-wise, this region tops the list of the most affected regions.
These conflicts are ongoing in Cyprus, Sudan, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Yemen and Western Sahara.
Israel-Palestine
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues with no clear resolution in sight.
Despite efforts for ceasefires, hostilities persist, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement.
Israel-Lebanon
Tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli military in southern Lebanon remain high.
Israel’s invasion of Lebanon has resulted in high casualties, and the involvement of foreign powers and their proxies has raised concerns about the conflict’s potential to spread across the region.
Africa: More than 35 Armed Conflicts
According to the Geneva Academy, Africa comes second in the number of armed conflicts per region with more than 35 non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) taking place in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.
Several armed groups – fighting against government forces and/or against each other – are involved in these conflicts.
Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Tigray region is embroiled in conflict following a coup within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The power struggle has led to skirmishes, civilian casualties, and fears of a broader war involving neighbouring Eritrea.
Sudan’s Civil War
Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with widespread famine and displacement.
The SAF’s recent recapture of the presidential palace in Khartoum marks a significant development, but the conflict continues, with both sides controlling different regions of the country.
Europe: Seven armed conflicts
Europe is the theatre of an international armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Other than the Ukraine war, the following conflicts continue to affect people.
According to Geneva Academy, Crimea, Transdniestria, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh are facing armed conflicts.
Ukraine-Russia conflict
The war between Ukraine and Russia, ongoing since 2022, is showing signs of abating with the re-election of US President Donald Trump.
Russia has intensified military operations in eastern Ukraine, making incremental territorial gains.
Both sides have suffered heavy casualties. International support for Ukraine persists but faces challenges, including donor fatigue and shifting political priorities.
Korean Peninsula tensions
Relations between North and South Korea are increasingly strained. Military provocations and cyberattacks are contributing to regional instability.
Both nations are enhancing military capabilities, raising concerns about potential skirmishes along their borders.
Asia
Asia is the theatre of 19 NIACs involving 19 armed groups.
These are happening in Afghanistan, India, Myanmar, Pakistan and The Philippines.
Two international armed conflicts – between respectively India and Pakistan, and between India and China – are also taking place in the region.
Peace seems elusive until resolutions of simmering conflicts raging across the world.
