West and Central Africa: Latest events at a glance (7 - 13 January 2025)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Armed clashes continue in several territories of North Kivu

Armed clashes continue in several territories of North Kivu province, in the east of the country, particularly in Masisi, Lubero and Nyiragongo. The ongoing violence continues to trigger new displacements and worsen the already precarious humanitarian situation. Since 2 January, fighting around Sake in Masisi has displaced some 2,000 families to sites near Goma. Despite ongoing tensions, nearly 46,000 people have returned to Masisi Centre after fleeing the clashes in January. In Lubero, over 1,000 people were displaced on 11 January due to fighting in Luofu. These people add to the 150,000 already displaced in December 2024. In Nyiragongo, clashes near the Kalake locality on 12 January suspended traffic on the Goma-Rutshuru road. The risk of an escalation of hostilities remains high and could lead to further displacements.

Three people injured during an incursion into a displacement site in Goma

On 7 January, three internally displaced persons (IDPs) were wounded during an armed incursion at the Lushagala displacement site in Goma, capital of the North-Kivu province in the east of the country. The victims have received urgent protection and medical assistance. This incident is part of an ongoing series of violations of the civilian nature of displacement sites around Goma. Since June 2024, over 100 incidents have been reported, resulting in more than 20 people killed and approximately 40 injured, according to humanitarian sources. On the night of 6 January, a nurse was shot dead in Rusayo while he was going to provide emergency health care to displaced people at the displacement site.

Mali

2024 floods and rising Niger river levels increase humanitarian needs

Mali experienced unprecedented floods in 2024, leaving at least 95 people dead, 154 injured, and over 450,000 affected across the country. The floods destroyed 46,573 houses, hundreds of water points, and 194,000 acres of crops, raising serious concerns over worsening food and nutritional needs in 2025. Rising water levels of the Niger River are severely affecting the Gao and Timbuktu regions, causing further population displacement, loss of crops, and damage to homes and fields, aggravating an already dire humanitarian situation across the region. The Regional Directorate for Social Development and the Solidarity Economy is assessing needs, while OCHA is mobilizing partners to support the response and facilitating the prioritization process for a reserve allocation from the Regional Humanitarian Fund to address emergency needs in Timbuktu.

Sierra Leone

Public health emergency declared after first Mpox cases confirmed

On 13 January, Sierra Leone declared a public health emergency to contain the spread of mpox following the confirmation of two cases. The first case, a 27-year-old man from the Western Rural District near the capital Freetown, was reported on 10 January. The second case was confirmed on 11 January in a 21-year-old man who developed symptoms on 6 January, according to the National Public Health Agency. The Health Minister announced measures to strengthen border surveillance, expand testing capacities, and launch public awareness campaigns. Authorities are conducting contact tracing and monitoring exposed individuals for 21 days, while healthcare workers receive protective equipment and training.