West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (28 January - 3 February 2025)
Central African Republic
Incidents affecting civilians in the northwestern part of the country
On 29 January, according to local sources, a vehicle belonging to the Catholic Church of Bocaranga, carrying three nuns on their way to Bouar, was ambushed by unidentified armed individuals 15 km from Bocaranga, northwest of the country. The assailants drove the nuns and the driver away, where they were beaten and robbed of their money and other personal belongings. They were later released and returned to Bouar for medical treatment. The day before, on 28 January, an armed group stormed Santowena village, located 40 km from Bocaranga, assaulted the residents, and looted several houses.
Chad
Some 28,000 Sudanese asylum seekers living in dire conditions in Koulbous and Birak
On 30 January, an inter-ministerial mission led by the Minister of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Humanitarian Affairs, accompanied by humanitarian organizations, visited Koulbous and Birak, the entry points for Sudanese asylum seekers in eastern Chad. Approximately 28,000 people have sought refuge in these villages, most of them women and children facing harsh conditions after fleeing with few possessions. Humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide immediate assistance, but limited resources and access challenges are hampering the response.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Goma gradually returns to calm, but security concerns persist
Economic and social activities are slowly resuming in Goma, but security remains volatile. Sporadic gunfire continued in northern areas on 1 and 2 February, and criminal incidents, including targeted attacks on humanitarian organizations, were reported. Armed individuals hijacked vehicles, disrupting relief operations, while looting of warehouses has further strained aid efforts. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 900 bodies still being identified. The ICRC, Red Cross, and WHO face immense logistical and public health challenges to ensure dignified burials. Between 31 January and 1 February, OCHA assessed several IDP camps in Goma and Nyiragongo, finding many had been looted, destroyed, or abandoned, leaving thousands without shelter or services.
At least 28 civilians killed in Irumu territory
On 30 January 2025, an armed group attacked Samboko and Ndalya in Irumu territory, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 28 civilians and triggering mass panic, forcing thousands to flee. Since early 2025, intensified attacks have led to new displacement, jeopardizing fragile returns observed since mid-2024. OCHA is monitoring the deteriorating crisis with local authorities and humanitarian partners. On 3 February, protests erupted in Beni, east of the country, with demonstrators marching to Boikene, near MONUSCO’s base, reflecting growing frustration over escalating insecurity and the persistent threat of armed groups.