West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (2-8 December 2025)

West and Central Africa

UN launches $5.1 billion aid appeal for 2026 in the region

UN and partners launched the Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, with an appeal of US$5.1 billion to deliver lifesaving aid and protection in West and Central Africa, where the humanitarian crisis is worsening, with more than 42 million people in need in 2026 as conflict, climate shocks and economic fragility steadily erode resilience.
Humanitarians plan to reach 24 million people in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.
Severe funding gaps are already forcing humanitarians to scale back. By the end of 2025, they will have reached 19 million people, while millions more were left without support due to shrinking resources. Despite donor support, the 2025 response received just 24 per cent of the US$7.8 billion required. Without urgent resources, hunger, displacement and protection risks will continue to rise, deepening suffering across West and Central Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire

Government monitors rising arrivals as displacement patterns shift

Ivorian authorities report nearly 80,000 refugees as of November, mostly from Burkina Faso, with a new influx now arriving from Mali. Northern border areas remain the main entry points, where most families are hosted by local communities, easing immediate accommodation needs. The government says it is closely monitoring evolving regional insecurity and is ready to reinforce reception capacities if flows increase. Past coordinated responses, including returns of Ghanaian nationals after land-related tensions, are cited as examples of effective management of complex cross-border situations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Violence displaces over 80,000 in South Kivu

Renewed violence in South Kivu forced over 80,000 people to flee their homes since 2 December, as armed clashes spread across Walungu and Kalehe territories. Fighting between armed groups and government forces intensified in several Walungu villages, including Kaziba and Kamanyola, displacing an estimated 35,000 people to nearby localities such as Cibanda, Chihumba, Muchigwa,
Kafindjo and Namushwaga. Local partners report that more than 100,000 people remain trapped in their homes without access to essential services. In Kalehe Territory, nearly 48,000 people fled after clashes between armed groups and widespread looting. The town of Kalonge, already hosting around 21,000 displaced people, is under additional pressure as new arrivals strain already fragile conditions. A brief lull in fighting on 3 December allowed some residents to return, but the security situation remains volatile. Newly displaced families across both territories face urgent needs in water, hygiene, health care, food, protection and shelter. Aid organizations are preparing to scale up assistance as violence continues to uproot communities.

Mauritania

Refugee arrivals increase pressure on host communities

UNHCR reports 778 new arrivals last week along the Fassala–Mégve border, bringing the total since 24 October to 4,540, mostly children. Families fleeing insecurity in the Léré area and Djioura are settling across villages, straining limited water, shelter and basic supplies. Humanitarian organizations have scaled up registration and assistance, reaching 60 per cent of new arrivals with aid in Kinderlé and Fassala, while coordinating urgent protection and food support in Hodh Chargui.