West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (24-30 December 2024)

Central African Republic

Nine civilians killed in attacks near Bozoum

At least nine civilians were killed on 23 and 24 December in two attacks by armed men at the Garo mining site, located 27 km northwest of Bozoum, a town in the northwestern region of the Central African Republic. According to local sources, two civilians and two armed men were also killed. Following the attacks, the armed group members reportedly killed seven more civilians in retaliation while traveling toward Ngoutéré, also in the northwestern region. These incidents have led to population displacement. OCHA is closely monitoring the situation.

Mali

Alerts of internal displacement in eastern and northern Mali following attacks

On 24 December, the humanitarian community in Gao received two alerts of internal displacement in the Gouzoureye commune, in the Gao region, eastern Mali. Both waves of displacement were triggered by violent attacks carried out by non-state armed groups. The first wave includes 1,002 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Gourma-Rharous Cercle in the Tombouctou region of northern Mali. The second wave, consisting of 774 IDPs is from the Ansongo cercle in the Gao region of eastern Mali. Data triangulation is currently underway in the IDP sites where these people have sought refuge.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

At least 19,000 people newly displaced in Minembwe and Mwenga territories in the last two weeks

On 16 December, an estimated 19,000 people were displaced in Minembwe, southwestern South Kivu, following clashes between armed groups. Further displacement was reported in Fizi Territory on 26 December, after the military launched military operations against armed groups in Minembwe-Centre. The exact number of newly displaced persons has yet to be assessed. Meanwhile, in Mwenga territory, since 20 December, clashes between armed groups in the Mbandala locality (Itombwe health zone) have forced over 18,000 people (3,664 households) to flee towards the Mwenga and Kitutu health zones, both located in the same southwestern region of South Kivu.

Closure of Uketha health centre affects access to health services for over 6,700 people

Since 19 December, almost all of the 6,700 inhabitants of the 11 villages in the Uketha health area, located in the northeastern Ituri Province, have had limited access to health services following the closure of the Uketha health centre. According to the chief medical officer of the Rethy Zone, the entire population and health personnel fled due to attacks by an armed group. Most have taken refuge in the neighboring localities of Kpandroma and Abora Reth, both situated in the same northeastern region of Ituri Province. Although the health centre itself is undamaged, health authorities believe that it will not be able to operate again until security is restored and stability returns to the area.