West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (15 to 21 October 2024)
Central African Republic
Thousands displaced due to insecurity; humanitarian activities disrupted
On 16 October, about 1,570 residents fearing for their safety fled from the border localities of Cameroon to the bush and the nearby town of Gawi, located 5 km from the Central African border following a clash between security forces and armed groups in Koui, 50 km west of Bocaranga, in the northwest of the country. Security forces withdrew from Koui following these clashes. Local and international NGOs, including some which implement health and protection programmes, have suspended their activities in the region due to concerns about security.
Senegal
Senegal mobilises army to assist flood-affected areas
After historic floods, the Senegalese army has been mobilised to evacuate villagers and livestock in areas along the Senegal River in the north and east of the country. Despite no recent rains, many areas remain submerged, creating need for food, clean water, and shelter. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited flood-affected areas in the east and north of the country, where, according to official government figures, over 55,600 people across 51 villages and 44 other sites have been affected by the rise of the Senegal River. More than 1,000 hectares of crops have been damaged in the regions of Tambacounda, Bakel, Matam, and Saint-Louis. Solidarity caravans are being organized, and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko convened an emergency meeting on 20 October, following the announcement of the allocation of US$13.3 million for assistance.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Over 6,300 people return to Mwenga territory, but humanitarian needs persist
Over 6,300 people have returned to Mwenga territory, in South Kivu, according to local sources. This return was reported between 12 and 16 October in the Mikalati and Chakira health areas, in the Kasai region, central-southern part of the country. It was motivated by the improved security in their villages of origin. Nonetheless, those who have returned remain extremely vulnerable and urgently need assistance in shelter, food, non-food items, medical care, and protection. Following inter-communal conflicts, these populations were displaced between 2019 and 2022 and sought refuge in Kanguli, Kilumbi, Lutabura, and Nakiele health areas, in the east of the country.
Niger
Floods delay start of school year until 28 October
Niger has postponed the start of the school year from 1 October to 28 October 2024, due to ongoing rains affecting schools including with classrooms as temporary shelter. On 10 October, the Prime Minister called for the relocation of displaced people housed in schools. UNICEF reports 1,969 classrooms are still occupied, and 5,520 have been destroyed. Over 10,000 people remain in classrooms in Maradi alone, in the south-central part of Niger, which is the hardest-hit region. Humanitarian partners are supporting the government in relocation and class rehabilitation, but challenges persist due to ongoing needs regarding the provision of shelter and non-food items. Floods this year have been the worst in 20 years, affecting 1,481,730 people and causing 395 deaths.