From July 2 to 8, 2024, armed attacks in the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso left dozens of civilians dead and thousands displaced. The DRC also saw over 150,000 people flee violence, while Mali reported a significant spike in protection incidents. These developments highlight the urgent humanitarian needs and the escalating violence affecting the region.
In the Central African Republic, an armed group attacked security forces in Ngoutéré on July 2, resulting in five soldiers killed, two injured, and one taken hostage. One civilian death was reported, leading to a mass exodus from multiple nearby villages due to fear for safety. This clash marks the sixth incident since January linked to disputes over local resources.
In Burkina Faso’s Kossi province, a series of assaults by non-state armed groups has left 66 civilians dead and around 20 injured, necessitating the evacuation of 20 villages. Approximately 3,000 individuals have been forcibly displaced to Sano and an additional 1,700 to Nouna, with urgent demand for food and non-food assistance in a region already facing high vulnerability due to the lean season.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ongoing battles between the army and non-state armed groups have displaced over 150,000 people in Lubero territory recently. Humanitarian needs are growing dangerously high, overwhelming local support capabilities, particularly as an estimated 2.8 million individuals remain displaced in North Kivu province due to escalating violence.
Mali has observed a troubling increase in protection incidents, with a documented 127 percent rise in the first quarter of 2024. Nearly 8,700 incidents were recorded, including rights violations and forced displacements. The most affected regions include Mopti, Gao, Ségou, and Timbuktu. Furthermore, incidents of gender-based violence spiked by 30 percent, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support across the nation.
The ongoing violence and clashes among armed groups and national forces in West and Central Africa have led to alarming humanitarian crises. In regions like the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mali, civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire of armed conflicts, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. The rising number of protection incidents signals a deteriorating security situation, compelling humanitarian organizations to amplify their response to meet escalating needs.
Recent events in West and Central Africa illustrate a troubling increase in violence and instability. Armed group attacks have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and mass displacements across the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso. Furthermore, the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali have exacerbated humanitarian needs, emphasizing the urgent requirement for enhanced international support and intervention.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
