West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (17–23 June 2025)

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Alarming surge in child deaths in Kabambare territory, Maniema Province

Local health authorities have reported a concerning rise in child deaths, with 19 fatalities recorded since 1 June across five villages in the Tchuki area, Maniema Province, in the east of the country. Health workers in the region have confirmed multiple measles cases in local facilities and raised alarms over limited resources for effective treatment. In collaboration with Caritas-Kasongo, efforts are underway to expand healthcare coverage, particularly in the Tchuki area. Authorities are urgently appealing for humanitarian assistance to address the measles outbreak and widespread severe malnutrition, which affected all the deceased children. A health mission is expected to arrive shortly to further investigate the situation.

Chad
Meningitis outbreak amid the growing risk of the spread of cholera

On 19 June, the Ouaddaï Provincial Health Delegate informed the humanitarian community of a meningitis outbreak in the eastern Chadian health districts of Abéché, Amléyouna, and Farchana. A total of 180 cases has been recorded, including 28 deaths. According to the health official, a mass vaccination campaign will be launched shortly. Meanwhile, health authorities and partners remain mobilized—pre-positioning cholera kits and updating the contingency plan—to prepare for a potential cholera outbreak, as the disease has been ravaging neighbouring Sudan for several weeks.

Liberia
Half of Liberian children out of school

UNICEF has warned that half of all school-aged children in Liberia—50.1 per cent—are out of school, citing this as a direct threat to the country’s human capital and stability. The alert was raised during a commemorative event in Monrovia on 16 June, marking the Day of the African Child and the World Day Against Child Labour. According to UNICEF, Liberia also records 93 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births, among the highest globally. Additional concerns include 30 per cent stunting, low birth registration (66 per cent), and reliance on external aid, with 70 per cent of the social sector budget funded by donors. UNICEF calls for urgent national investment and accountability to reverse the trend.

Central African Republic
Nzoro villagers flee renewed threats amid ongoing insecurity

Since 17 June, an undetermined number of residents from the village of Nzoro, in the northeast of the country, have fled to surrounding localities, fearing for their safety amid a persistent climate of insecurity. The population’s anxiety has been heightened by ongoing rumours of an imminent attack by non-state armed groups. This follows a series of violent incidents, including a 11 June attack in which 13 homes and seed stocks for the current agricultural season were set ablaze. A similar incident occurred in February, resulting in nine deaths and the destruction of 767 homes, granaries, and food reserves. Approximately 5,000 residents were then displaced to nearby villages.