West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (23-29 December 2025)

Mauritania

Over 1,000 Malian refugees arrive in southeast

More than 1,000 refugees fleeing insecurity in Mali arrived over the past week in south-eastern Mauritania, mainly in Bassikounou and Néma, according to UNHCR. This brings total arrivals since late October to around 7,300, though figures are likely underestimated. Most new arrivals are women and children, with an increasing number of older people from Mali’s Tombouctou region. Refugees are dispersed across informal sites along the Hodh Chargui border, complicating registration and assistance. Living conditions remain difficult, as ongoing military operations and air strikes continue to drive displacement.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

CERF allocates US$13.5 million for displacement response

The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated US$13.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to escalating displacement linked to conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and refugee arrivals in Burundi. Of this amount, US$10 million will support life-saving assistance in the DRC and US$3.5 million will bolster urgent response efforts in Burundi. Since early December, violence in South Kivu has displaced an estimated 500,000 people. In Burundi, around 85,000 new arrivals have overwhelmed reception and transit facilities. The funding will support critical assistance in affected areas and help ease pressure on reception centres.

Nigeria

UN condemns deadly mosque attack

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria expressed deep concern following a suspected suicide attack at a mosque in Gamboru, Borno State, which resulted in fatalities and left several people injured. Condolences were conveyed to the affected families, the Government, and the people of Borno State, alongside wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. The attack was strongly condemned, with calls for increased vigilance and strengthened security measures. The incident adds to a series of violent attacks reported in Borno State this year, including assaults on communities and sites hosting internally displaced people. The UN reiterated calls on all parties to protect civilians and civilian property and to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.

Central African Republic

Killings and cross-border displacement

On 25 December, at least 19 civilians were reportedly killed during clashes between state security forces and unidentified armed elements in Hadajlit and Sarahevo villages, around 135 km north-west of Birao near the border with Chad. Fearing further violence, an estimated 4,000 people fled to Tissi in Chad, while others reportedly crossed into Sudan. The Hadajlit market was completely burned down, including food stocks. OCHA is monitoring the situation and stands ready to mobilize partners should humanitarian assistance be required.