West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (2-8 September 2025)

Ghana

Gbiniyiri clashes kill 31, displace 50,000

Clashes between ethnic groups at Gbiniyiri in the northwestern Savannah region, near the borders with Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso, claimed the lives of 31 persons and displaced nearly 50,000, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Violence, which began on 24 August over a land dispute, has spread to at least 12 communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District. Around 14,000 people have fled into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, while thousands more are sheltering in makeshift camps at Sawla under the care of NADMO and the Ghana Red Cross. The latter has warned of a worsening humanitarian situation as most displaced are women and children.

Nigeria

Humanitarian Coordinator condemns killing of over 50 civilians in Borno

UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall has strongly condemned the killing of over 50 civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area, following a brutal attack by suspected non-state armed groups on the evening of 5 September. In a statement, Fall described the incident as “deeply appalling and saddening.” Preliminary reports indicate that suspected members of a non-state armed group killed over 50 people, abducted several others, and at least 28 houses were destroyed. He called on all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law. Borno State has seen a surge in attacks in 2025, targeting civilians, including farmers, traders, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Similar attacks have also been reported in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe states.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

New Ebola outbreak declared in Kasai

On 4 September, the government declared a new Ebola outbreak in Kasaï Province—the country’s 16th overall and 4th in this province. So far, 28 suspected cases have been reported, including 15 deaths—among them four health workers—reflecting a 54 per cent case fatality rate. A national Rapid Response Team, supported by WHO, is strengthening surveillance, case management, laboratory services, and infection control, while provincial specialists engage communities on preventive practices. WHO is delivering two tons of protective equipment, laboratory materials, and medical supplies. With transmission ongoing, cases are expected to rise. The DRC has treatments and 2,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine prepositioned in Kinshasa for rapid deployment to vaccinate contacts and frontline workers.

Spike in sexual violence in Kalehe, South Kivu

Humanitarian and health actors reported 21 cases of sexual violence in Kalehe Territory between 3 and 5 September, mostly in the localities of Kasheke, Munanira, Ihusi Muleba, Tchogero, Minova, and Tchondo. Survivors, allegedly assaulted by a non-state armed group, urgently need medical and psychosocial care. Humanitarians are calling for protection of affected areas, legal investigations, and stronger coordination. A joint protection mission is necessary to boost community prevention and early warning. Sexual violence linked to armed groups has been rising this year, with health facilities treating 10,900 cases from January to June— Kalehe topping the list of affected territories in South Kivu.