West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (21-27 October 2025)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

At least 59 deaths from malnutrition recorded in three months in Punia and Lubutu territories According to local humanitarian partners, approximately 775 cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 59 related deaths were recorded in the territories of Punia and Lubutu, in Maniema province, between July and September 2025. Partners have raised concerns over a marked increase in SAMrelated fatalities, which are being exacerbated by concurrent measles outbreaks and other infectious diseases. Effective management of severe cases is critically undermined by a shortage of nutritional supplies and essential medicines, leading to increased child mortality within the community. The overall humanitarian response remains severely constrained due to a lack of active nutrition-sector partners in these areas.

Nearly 57,000 displaced people face precarious conditions in Butembo

A recent assessment by humanitarian partners indicates that nearly 57,000 internally displaced people (14,240 households) are currently living in precarious conditions in Butembo town, North Kivu province. Among them, 86 per cent are residing in overcrowded settings and using makeshift shelters, which heightens their exposure to gender-based violence risks. These individuals fled clashes between armed groups and security forces, as well as frequent attacks by armed groups in Lubero territory between May and mid- September 2024. They have urgent humanitarian needs, particularly in health, nutrition, food security, and access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Cameroon

Four children killed in IED explosion in Logone et Chari division

On 22 October, four children were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on the Naga-Karena Road in the Logone et Chari division, Far North region. This marks the eighth recorded IED incident in the region since January 2025, underscoring the persistent threat posed by IEDs to civilians, especially children. The last incident involving an IED occurred on 21 July in Bargaram, also in the Logone et Chari, where two children were killed in similar circumstances. The continued use of IEDs and recurrent armed attacks continue to disrupt movement along key supply routes, constrain humanitarian access and heighten protection risks across affected areas.

Mauritania

Aid cuts reduce refugee assistance at Mbera camp The World Food Programme (WFP) in Mauritania warned that global funding cuts have reduced assistance for Malian refugees. Approximately 154,000 refugees live in Mauritania, with 120,000 in Mbera camp, southeast Hodh Ech Chargui region. Aid operations by WFP were once helping roughly 90,000 people each month; funding shortfalls mean now only 53,000–56,000 are supported and key nutrition programmes for children and pregnant women have been suspended. Overcrowding, limited services, and aid dependency raise serious concerns about long-term stability for both refugees and host communities. Humanitarian agencies are appealing urgently for contributions to avert a worsening crisis in this frontier region.