West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (21-27 December 2021)

NIGERIA

ROCKET ATTACK IN MAIDAIGURI KILLS FIVE

On 23 December, multiple rocket attacks across residential areas in Maiduguri city, the capital of Borno State in the northeast, killed at least five civilians, injured 12 others, and destroyed several homes. This was the second rocket attack targeting Maiduguri this month, indicating non-state armed groups (NSAGs) capacity to launch coordinated rockets attacks on the city. Maiduguri is the main hub for the ongoing humanitarian response across the north-east region, with offices, warehouses, and accommodation facilities for several humanitarian organizations.

DR CONGO

BOMB BLAST KILLS AT LEAST SX IN BEN

On 25 December, a bomb blast killed at least six civilians and injured a dozen in the city of Beni in North-Kivu province. The Government denounced the attack by suspected ADF fighters and took measures to reinforce security. In recent months, the use of improvised explosive devices has become more prevalent, affecting access for civilians and humanitarian workers.

BURKINA FASO

ARMED MEN ATTACK KILLS 41 PEOPLE

On 23 December, a non-state armed group (NSAG) attack on a commercial convoy, escorted by a self-defense group, left at least 41 people dead in Titao town, Louroum province, in the north, forcing inhabitants to flee and seek safety in Ouahigouya town. The regional directorate of humanitarian action is assessing the situation of new internally displaced people and counting them. In the wake of the attack, the President of Burkina Faso declared two days of national mourning on 26 and 27 December in honor of the attack’s victims.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

ATTACK IN MANN KILLS SIX, DISPLACES 8,500

On 19 December, a non-state armed group (NSAG) attack in Mann village in the northwest, in the Ouham-Péndé prefecture, on the borders with Cameroon and Chad, led to the death of six civilians, the injury of four and forced 8,500 to flee seeking refuge in the bush and surrounding villages. Armed groups also occupied a health centre after looting it. On 27 December, leaders of Mann reported the return of about 400 displaced to the village. Humanitarian organizations are following up on the situation of displaced as well as returnees, assessing their needs and mobilizing to provide aid. In July 2021, a similar attack in Mann led to the killing of seven civilians, the injury of two others, and the displacement of 17,000 people.

NIGER

ATTACK IN TILLABERI DISPLACES 2,000 PEOPLE

On 21 December, over 2,000 people were forced to leave their homes in the Ouallam department, Tillaberi region, and move to Mangaizé village, following a non-state armed group attack on Tinzaou village, also in Tillaberi, the night before. Newly displaced families need urgent shelter and food assistance. Ongoing insecurity continues to increase humanitarian needs in the area, which is hosting about 86,000 internally displaced persons.

Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs