West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (29 December 2015 - 4 January 2016)

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

ELECTIONS HELD PEACEFULLY ON 30 DECEMBER

On 30 December, presidential and parliamentary elections were held under tight security, a vote which followed a referendum on constitutional change that was backed by 93 per cent of voters.
Three candidates have been tipped as front-runners in a race with 30 other presidential candidates. Observers anticipate that a second round will prove necessary in the presidential race and expect it to be held by the end of January.

CHAD

CERF GRANTS NEARLY US$7 MILLION

On 29 December, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) granted a total amount of nearly US$7 million to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad region. This assistance will benefit internally displaced people, refugees and host populations affected by the consequences of insecurity and violence attributed to Boko Haram. A total of nine projects were approved and will be implemented by UN agencies and their partners. The projects will include assistance in life-saving food security support, nutrition, emergency protection, access to health - including reproductive health and psychological support - and education.

NIGER

NEW REFUGEE INFLUX FROM MALI

From 21 to 27 December, 1,222 newly arrived Malian refugees, including 57 per cent of women and 43 per cent of men, were registered at Intikane in the region of Tahoua bordering the Gao region. UNHCR has already assisted them with shelters, blankets and other non-food items and WFP will provide food assistance. With these new arrivals, the total number of refugees in Intikane has now reached 16,072 people.

DRC

FLOODS IN SOUTH KIVU

On 28 and 30 December, heavy rains in Lulingu and Tanganyika, in South Kivu, affected more than 13,000 people. In December 2015, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been particularly impacted with above average precipitation particularly along the Congo River Basin - Maniema Tshopo Mongala, Ecuador, Mai Dombe,
Kinshasa and Kongo Central - as well as in Haut Uélé and along the eastern border. These heavy rains have led to the destruction of houses, roads, and other infrastructures. Humanitarian partners are currently assessing the situation.