OCHA, the UN agency responsible for coordinating international humanitarian responses to crises such as conflicts and natural disasters, plays a critical role in ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable populations swiftly and efficiently.
The staffing cuts will impact operations in multiple countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, and Turkey—regions already grappling with complex humanitarian challenges.
In a letter to staff published on the agency’s website, Tom Fletcher, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), detailed “brutal cuts” prompted by a projected funding shortfall of nearly $60 million for 2025—set against a backdrop of escalating global humanitarian needs.
Fletcher acknowledged the dire situation, stating: “The context we face is the toughest it has ever been for our mission as OCHA, and the system we coordinate. The humanitarian community was already underfunded, overstretched, and, literally, under attack. Now, we face a wave of brutal cuts.”
He warned that the consequences are already being felt on the ground. “We can see the impact on the communities we serve.”
“Vital lifesaving work is ending. Our partners—NGOs and the UN humanitarian family—are hit hard. We are hit too: a 2025 funding gap of almost US$60 million. We must address this to protect our mission.”
OCHA’s future?
As part of its restructuring efforts, OCHA will be closing several Humanitarian Advisory Teams and cutting over 20 senior positions (P5s and above) both at its Headquarters and in Country and Regional Offices.
The organization, which currently employs around 2,600 staff in more than 60 countries, plans to scale down to a workforce of approximately 2,100 staff members across fewer locations.
The decision to reduce the workforce by 20% is being made to adapt to financial constraints, with a focus on streamlining operations while maintaining efficiency in delivering humanitarian aid.
The office has emphasized that the staff reductions will be carried out in a humane, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring adequate notice and planning, with ongoing collaboration between managers, staff representatives, and leadership throughout the transition process.
Impact of OCHA’s downsizing on Africa
The 20% staff reduction announced by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is expected to have significant implications for African countries on the affected list—Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Eritrea, and Libya—all of which are already grappling with complex humanitarian emergencies
In Nigeria, OCHA’s downsizing could disrupt emergency food distribution, displacement assistance, and health services in conflict-ridden areas.
Zimbabwe’s reduced presence may diminish international visibility for ongoing crises, making it harder to mobilize donor funding.
Cameroon’s staffing cuts could limit the UN’s ability to respond swiftly to shifting conflict dynamics.
Eritrea’s reduced personnel risk silencing avenues for humanitarian needs observation, while Libya’s fewer staff may lead to declined inter-agency coherence and slower response to conflict flare-ups.
The cuts signal a contraction of international humanitarian presence on a continent facing intensifying climate shocks, conflict, and economic fragility, potentially putting millions of lives at risk without renewed donor support.
