West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (31 December 2024 – 6 January 2025)

Burkina Faso

More than 6,000 people displaced following clashes in Kénédougou province

Between 25 and 28 December 2024, violent clashes erupted in Domberla village, Morlaba commune, Kénédougou province, displacing 6,043 people from 354 households to the centre of Morlaba. The attacks destroyed granaries, a community cotton market, houses, shops, and vehicles. The majority of those displaced are women and children, who are in urgent need of food, shelter, healthcare, bedding, clean water, hygiene supplies, lighting, and education support. To address this crisis, OCHA and the Regional Directorate of Humanitarian Action for the Hauts-Bassins region are working to mobilize the humanitarian community for a coordinated response to address the immediate needs of the affected population.

Central African Republic

Farmer-Herder incidents in Vakaga Prefecture

Tensions between farmers and transhumant herders in Vakaga prefecture, northeastern Central African Republic, have led to a third incident since December 2024. On 3 January 2025, local sources reported that one person was seriously injured in Macharou village, 18 km east of Birao, after farmers accused herders of allowing their livestock to destroy fields during their migration. Authorities have expressed concern over the recurring conflicts and are planning to mobilize community leaders for mediation efforts to prevent further violence.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Escalating clashes in North Kivu trigger massive displacement in Masisi Territory

Between 1 and 3 January 2025, intense clashes between the Congolese army and a non-state armed group in Masisi Centre, North Kivu province, displaced an estimated 102,000 people, according to local reports. At least four people were killed and 12 injured, according to humanitarian sources. On 5 January, relative calm was reported in Masisi Centre, prompting some displaced families to begin returning. Humanitarian actors warn the influx of displaced people may worsen Masisi’s dire situation, with over 600,000 displaced as of 30 November 2024. Despite the insecurity, humanitarian organizations remain operational, with partners preparing to resume activities to meet critical needs.

Food aid provided to more than 11,000 displaced people in Kwamouth territory

On 28 December 2024, military operations by the Congolese army against non-state armed groups in the Kwamouth territory, western Mai-Ndombe province, led to violent clashes, according to local sources. The affected villages had been largely deserted since September 2024, and no immediate humanitarian consequences were reported. However, local civil society groups reported several human rights violations by armed group elements, including looting, extortion, and assaults on civilians. Despite ongoing insecurity, humanitarian assistance has continued, with food aid delivered to more than 11,000 displaced people between 28 December and 4 January. However, significant gaps remain in the provision of shelter, household items, water, healthcare, and livelihood support, according to humanitarian actors on the ground