West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (05 - 11 July 2023)

Cameroon

Ongoing violence in the Far North region continues to force thousands to flee their homes

Between the 3rd and 9th of July, over 6,000 individuals were forced to flee in the Logone et Chari and Mayo-Tsanaga divisions due to escalating violence. Non-state armed groups have been launching continuous attacks in the Hilé Alifa and Mokolo districts, resulting in displacement as people seek safety from the looting of goods and livestock. Tragically, one person was killed and five others injured during the attacks in the Hile Alifa district. Additionally, around 30 fishermen were reportedly abducted in the Logone et Chari area. A rapid response mechanism is currently conducting an assessment to determine the needs of the displaced individuals. Since January, Mayo-Tsanaga alone has witnessed the displacement of over 10,000 people due to attacks by non-state armed groups.

DR Congo

Over one million people to be assisted by WFP in North and South Kivu

The World Food Programme has announced an expansion of its cash distribution efforts, aiming to reach 1.1 million individuals residing in camps, sites, and host families across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. This initiative is part of WFP's broader plan to provide food and cash assistance to 1.7 million people throughout July. Over the next six months, WFP plans to progressively increase the number of individuals receiving life-saving food and cash aid. In June alone, WFP provided assistance to over 670,000 affected individuals in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. However, the ongoing needs remain substantial, as approximately 3.6 million people in these three provinces will require support from WFP in the coming six months.

Central African Republic

Deadly explosive devices cause the deaths of several children in the Southeast

By 30th June, a total of 26 individuals, including 18 civilians, tragically lost their lives in 47 incidents and accidents involving explosive devices. This marks a distressing 116 percent increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. One of the incidents involved a child who found and detonated a grenade while searching through a garbage dump in Zémio, resulting in their unfortunate demise. Since January, eight other children have also lost their lives under similar circumstances. This concerning trend is further compounded by the fact that 87 percent of the incidents and accidents recorded in the previous year have already occurred in 2023, indicating a worrisome continuation of such events.

Niger

More than 3,600 people flee their homes in Say department, Tillaberi region

According to reports from protection actors, on 4th July, approximately 3,693 individuals (528 households) were compelled to flee their homes in eight villages located in the Say Department. The displacement resulted from the alarming increase in abductions and arbitrary killings of civilians, allegedly carried out by non-state armed groups (NSAGs). The affected individuals have sought refuge in the Ouro Djeladjo District.
Most of the displaced population currently resides with host families, in schools, and in private residences. It is noteworthy that abductions and killings are distressingly prevalent in the Tillabéri region, which has led to a total of approximately 150,584 individuals being forcibly displaced as of 1st June 2023.