West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (19-25 November 2024)

Burkina Faso
Nearly 4,000 people newly displaced in Gorom-Gorom, Oudalan province
Nearly 4,000 displaced people, including over 2,300 children have gradually arrived in Gorom-Gorom commune in Oudalan province in Sahel region between 7 and 11 November, according to provincial authorities. They reportedly fled insecurity resulting from an attack in Petoye village, 26km from Gorom-Gorom. This incident occurred five months after the return of some of the village’s residents in June 2024, after nearly four years of displacement. Though some of the displaced people are currently receiving humanitarian assistance in terms of psychosocial support from government services, the needs remain severe. Humanitarian partners are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance to the displaced population, particularly shelter, water, food and non-food items.

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Heavy rains cause deadly landslides in Kalehe territory
According to local authorities, at least 11 people died in landslides caused by heavy rains on 22-23 November in several areas of the village Kabulo2, in Kalehe territory, in the east of the country. At least six survivors were rescued from the rubble of affected buildings and are receiving medical care. Search and rescue efforts by the National Red Cross and Congolese authorities are ongoing. At least 120 people are left homeless following the disaster. OCHA is coordinating a needs assessment mission with local authorities and partners along the Kalehe-Minova axis. On 20 November in the Mwenga territory, over 1,600 people lost their homes in several localities following heavy rains. At least three schools were destroyed, disrupting access to education for more than 100 children.

Mali
Flood alerts issued for Gao as rising River Niger impacts Timbuktu region
Authorities issued an alert on 24 November for communities along the River Niger, particularly in Soni Aliber, about 30 km northwest of Gao, warning of imminent floods as water levels continue to rise rapidly. Local youth organizations have mobilized to mitigate the spread of water, but the situation remains critical. This follows severe flooding on 20 November in Dire and Niafunke towns in the Timbuktu region, caused by the river overflowing and breaching protective dykes. Preliminary assessments indicate significant damage, including the flooding of a school with six classrooms and potential damage to 500 acres of farmland. In Niafunke, an IDP site was submerged, and local authorities are working to relocate affected populations. OCHA is closely monitoring developments and coordinating the potential provision by partners of emergency assistance such as shelter, other non-food items, and water, sanitation and hygiene support.

Central African Republic
WHO confirms 71 cases of mpox and two deaths
Between 20 July, when the Central African Republic declared the epidemic, and 10 November, the country recorded 403 suspected cases of mpox, of which 71 were confirmed positive, with two deaths. Currently, four active mpox outbreaks are ongoing across the health districts of Mbaïki and Gamboula (southwest), as well as Batangafo-Kabo and Paoua (northwest). As transmission continues in several countries, health authorities and partners have intensified mpox surveillance. The national mpox preparedness and response plan, developed with WHO support, was launched at the end of September. Covering the period from September 2024 to December 2026, the plan has a budget of USD 37 million. Additionally, USAID and WHO provided the Ministry of Health with a 1.3-ton supply of personal protective equipment.