The Niger Delta—as Africa’s largest petroleum source, sometimes known as the Oil Rivers—has been rife with human rights abuses, environmental issues, and corruption problems. The history of conflict in the area between its inhabitants and foreign oil corporations, often in association with the Nigerian government, is long and eventful. Abuse of human rights in relation to the oil operations in the area has, in the past, led to international condemnation of the Nigerian government, as well as the formation of armed radical groups in the area infamous for vandalism, violence, and even theft of oil.

The problems are manyfold. Recent reports have demonstrated the seriousness of oil spill damage on the local environment. The livelihoods of Nigerians living in and around the Delta are greatly marginalized, while local economic activities such as fishing and farming have been almost completely destroyed. How the African Union approaches the serious issue of the Niger Delta will set an important precedent for its involvement in internal issues of its members affecting African citizens, not to mention for the numerous African countries with growing oil industries of their own.

In April of 2011, Eastern Africa—specifically Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia—began suffering a severe drought. The drought is still ongoing, has led to an officially-declared famine, and currently affects over twelve million people. Despite clear warnings from as early as 2009, both local governments and international organisations failed to prepare for what has now become a serious crisis.

The situation is especially worrying in Somalia. Humanitarian aid meant for the hundreds of thousands of Somalians who are in desperate need of food and potable water has been hindered by the al-Shabaab militant group that controls much of southern Somalia, one of the regions most affected by the drought and famine. Refugee camps are overflowing, and there are reports of disease caused by cramped and unsanitary conditions. To truly address the recurring scourge of African drought and famine, the African Union will need to not only implement short-term plans to help the desperate situations of millions but also to consider long-term solutions to minimise and prevent future crises of this nature.