Humanitarian aid overhaul in Africa: The importance of citizen involvement

Marcelin Ridja (MR): The ‘humanitarian reset’ involves a radical overhaul of our approach to aid. It’s more than just improving what’s already in place, but reconsidering the system’s structure. Faced with growing global crises, the traditional aid model, which is often centralized, has struggled for several years. Needs are increasing exponentially while resources are dwindling, making this change vital. We must move from a top-down approach to aid to a more collaborative one, where local communities are central to finding solutions. It’s a matter of justice and effectiveness. Without this reset, we risk maintaining systems that marginalize those they’re supposed to help.

MR: The withdrawal of USAID funding in 2025, or USD 42.8 billion (42 percent of the global aid as of 2024), has shaken the humanitarian sector. The Netherlands and other donor countries have also reduced their contributions. The depletion of budgets in response to various crises, the politicization of aid, the distrust of humanitarian institutions that some political leaders from donor countries consider disconnected, and economic instability are the driving forces behind the current humanitarian crisis. The spike in needs due to protracted crises often causes donor fatigue. Institutional rigidity also exacerbates the situation. For me, these cuts are hard to justify. Increased hunger, displacement, and poverty require a robust response. Cutting aid will likely worsen critical crises and limit community adaptations, compromising major humanitarian progress.

MR: Budget cuts lead to reduced food packages, the closure of health centers, and the suspension of essential services (education, shelters, protection). Vulnerable communities, especially women, children, and displaced persons, in countries and regions like Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Gaza, and Afghanistan, are severely impacted. According to a study in The Lancet Journal (2025), there could be 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five (700,000 per year). Despite this, communities show resilience through support networks, community-based economic initiatives, self-protection, and advocacy strategies. Although remarkable, this strength doesn’t compensate for the withdrawal of international aid. Global figures must support their efforts to prevent the crises from worsening and preserve the dignity of those affected.

MR: Community members have the best understanding of their communities’ needs and cultural dynamics. They are not merely subordinates, they’re innovators. Their role is vital as they ensure the aid is appropriate and sustainable. They must be equal partners in the ‘humanitarian reset,’ not third parties. This involves redirecting funds directly to these communities and including them in decision-making processes. Ignoring their place in the system overhaul would mean repeating past mistakes and maintaining overly paternalistic aid.

MR: In Uganda, I observed the Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development initiative, which established a model where young refugees and community members work together to cultivate community lands, reducing their dependence on food distributions. This project, partly financed through a digital platform with micro-donations, illustrates how aid can be crowdsourced and sustainable. Combining agriculture, training, and social inclusion empowers while building community relationships. This is a powerful example of the potential of a ‘humanitarian reset’ when it takes advantage of community innovations.

MR: With modern citizens already under pressure due to many other issues, this distrust often stems from a sense of inequality and a lack of transparency in the distribution of aid, fostering individualistic tendencies. To restore trust, we must tell authentic stories, like those of communities that transform their realities despite the challenges and deliver tangible results. Citizens want to see the impact of their contributions. For example, transparent crowdfunding campaigns, in which every donation is traceable, can restore hope. Global solidarity will return if we put people at the center. In my book, I reflect on collective responsibility, providing another way of keeping the faith alive through literature.

MR: Social networks boost solidarity through viral campaigns (#GivingTuesday and #SolidarityWithRefugees) and crowdfunding, creating cross-border communities. Participation platforms democratize aid by enabling communities to promote their projects, strengthening transparency and North-South alliances. However, the digital divide can deepen inequalities, with ethical issues requiring improved management.

MR: To the donors, I say: listen and contribute to the communities. All too often, funds are mired in bureaucracy or externally imposed priorities. Send more than 60 percent of your budgets to community organizations and give them a place at the decision-making table. Simplify the procedures and try to be flexible to support community innovations. Lastly, take risks on innovative solutions, even if they fall outside the traditional framework. Supporting a more equitable system means giving up some control to develop trust, collaborations, and various solutions.

MR: Power dynamics remain, as aid is often seen as a charitable contribution rather than a partnership. To change this, we must co-build more programs with the communities, including them from the outset. We must also decolonize humanitarian narratives. We must stop portraying the beneficiaries as passive victims. They are agents of their own resilience, and aid must reflect that.

MR: Continue to be agents of change because the world needs committed citizens. Stay informed about the community initiatives in crisis countries, support them with donations if possible, share on social media, or engage in advocacy. Participate in citizen forums whenever possible. Share the stories of resilience you discover, as they inspire others to take action. Lastly, call for your governments, organizations, and leaders to deliver fair and sustainable aid. Together, we can build solidarity that leaves no one behind. Communities and citizens who foster solidarity must shape the future, not the elite.