West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (27 February - 5 March 2018)

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

SIX AID WORKERS KILLED IN ARMED ATTACK

Six aid workers were killed in an ambush by armed attackers on 25 February in the northern Ouham prefecture. The six, including a UNICEF consultant, were on their way to an emergency education project when they were attacked near Markouda, a remote area close to the Chadian border. More than 7,000 people have sought refuge in Markounda from fighting over the past months. UNICEF, which has set up temporary learning spaces for 2,000 crisis-affected children in Markounda, condemned the attack.

CHAD

OVER 100 GBV CASES REPORTED IN JANUARY

In January, 106 cases of gender-based violence were reported in the western Lac region, mostly physical assaults (33 per cent) and resource deprivation (27 per cent). All victims received psychosocial support, but very few received medical and legal assistance. In 2017, 2,270 cases of sexual and gender-based violence were reported.
Comprehensive care for victims is a persisting challenge. In 2018, the main challenge is access to justice for victims of GBV. Impunity, weak legal system and cultural barriers hamper justice to victims. Access to healthcare services is also extremely limited and the number of mobile clinics has fallen due to lack of funding.

DR CONGO

GUNMEN ATTACK FOOD AID TRUCK, KILL DRIVER

Armed men on 20 February attacked a truck ferrying seven tons of food aid in Fizi region in the eastern South Kivu province. The attackers killed the driver and stole the cargo.
The food was meant for 11,000 people, mostly IDPs in several localities in Fizi.

NIGER

YOUTH PROJECT TO COUNTER RADICALISATION

On 27 February, France announced that it will invest more than US$12 million in a youth development project to prevent young people in the conflict-hit south-eastern Diffa region from being lured into Boko Haram ranks. The project will contribute to fight youth radicalisation through professional training and job creation. It will be supported by a consortium of international NGOs in partnership with local organisations.

NIGERIA

THREE AID WORKERS KILLED IN ARMED RAID

Three aid workers were killed by armed attackers in Rann town in Borno state on 1 March. Three other humanitarians were also injured, while a nurse has gone missing and feared abducted. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon condemned the attack. Two of deceased aid workers were contractors with the International Organization for Migration. The other was a medical doctor employed by UNICEF as a consultant. Around 80,000 people, including 55,000 internally displaced persons, currently reside in Rann and are supported with humanitarian assistance.

DIARRHOEA CASES REPORTED IN KUKAWA

More than 50 cases, and one death, of acute watery diarrhoea have been reported in Kukawa locality in the north of Borno state.
Initial cases were reported in late January.
Children under 10 have been mostly affected. The state ministry of health, with the support of partners including WHO, is leading the response. The ministry has not declared an outbreak as it considers the situation to be under control due to the rapid response.