West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (24 - 30 March 2026)

Burkina Faso

500,000 people received life-saving assistance in 2025 in the Liptako and Soum regions

On 19 March, regional authorities in Liptako and Soum regions reported, during the presentation of the annual report on the implementation of the National Development Plan (PND), that 500,000 people had received food assistance, emergency shelter, dignity kits, and holistic support for survivors of gender-based violence. This response was made possible through the mobilization of US$14.9 million by NGOs and United Nations agencies throughout 2025. In addition to supporting resilience and development activities, this funding enabled an emergency humanitarian response to shocks related to internal displacement. The Liptako and Soum regions are facing security challenges, with an estimated 967,000 people requiring assistance in 2026, including 664,000 targeted by humanitarian partners.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Nearly 50,000 newly displaced people following armed group attacks in Mitwaba territory

Between 19 and 23 March, nearly 50,000 people fled villages in Mitwaba territory (Haut-Katanga) following attacks by a newly emerged armed group, according to local sources. Nkonga, Lunguji and Watupempe were among the most affected. These incidents follow an earlier attack attributed to the same group in early March in the Upemba National Park area, during which at least seven civilians were reportedly killed, according to local authorities. Most newly displaced people are being hosted by families across the Mitwaba health zone, while others have taken refuge in schools and churches. Urgent needs include shelter, food, water and sanitation, health care and protection services. Prior to this escalation, Mitwaba territory was already hosting around 80,000 displaced people since mid-2025, many without assistance.

Central African Republic

Heavy rains cause damage and displacement in southeastern prefectures

On 23 March, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds caused significant damage in Rafaï, Mbomou prefecture, affecting 110 households (around 350 people), including internally displaced persons, refugees, and host community members. Two buildings of the Catholic private high school also collapsed, disrupting access to education. On the same day, heavy rains also left nearly 30 households (about 150 people) homeless in Nzelété, located in Basse-Kotto Prefecture, located along the Bambari axis. OCHA is coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners to assess needs and support the response to affected communities.

Niger

Protracted displacement persists as most IDPs favour local integration

Recent survey results from the Ministry of Population, Social Action and National Solidarity show that 89% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Niger prefer local integration, intending to remain in host communities, while 11% intend to return. This reflects the protracted nature of displacement, with 29% displaced for over six years, particularly due to violence by non-state armed groups in Diffa Region. As of 31 December 2025, authorities recorded 548,386 IDPs (101,048 households), an 18% increase since March 2025, mainly in Tillabéry (45%) and Diffa (32%). Displacement is driven by insecurity linked to cross-border conflicts with Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, as well as climate-related floods. Despite strong preference for local integration, progress is constrained by limited livelihoods, economic pressures, and social cohesion challenges in host communities. Meanwhile, insecurity and poor conditions in areas of origin hinder safe returns, indicating that displacement will likely remain protracted in the medium term.