CAMEROON
CIVILIANS FORCED TO FLEE THEIR VILLAGES DUE TO VIOLENCE
Between 21 December 2022 and 4 January 2023, more than 4,800 people were forced to flee their villages in Menchum, Momo, Ndian and Manyu divisions in the North-West and South-West regions, due to violence. The majority fled on foot and found shelter in bushes and administrative buildings. About 240 people have returned to their villages owing to improved security. Civilians continue to be caught in the crossfire between nonState armed groups (NSAGs) and State security forces, including clashes between rival NSAG factions.
NIGERIA
FIRE OUTBREAK DESTROYS SHELTERS, DISPLACES IDPs
On 12 January, a fire outbreak occurred at the International Secondary School of internally displaced people’s (IDP) camp in Ngala Local Government Area (LGA) of northeastern Borno State, destroying 118 shelters and displacing some 517 people. No injuries or fatalities were recorded. Some IDPs lost their food ration and biometric identification cards. The affected people are being accommodated by their neighbours until the shelters are rebuilt. Non-food items were distributed to 45 families. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained, but cooking spots are often reported as the leading cause of fire outbreaks in overpopulated camps.
DR CONGO
UN EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND ALLOCATES MONEY TO PREVENT CHOLERA
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has released $750,000 (€697,474) to anticipate on cholera outbreaks in the country. This funding will enable UNICEF, WHO and their partners to provide life-saving assistance to more than 150,000 people as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent larger outbreaks. In 2022, DRC reported 18,507 cholera cases and 296 deaths nationwide. Interventions under this funding will focus on the most affected areas of North and South Kivu. The CERF funding is part of a two-year pilot initiative.
REGIONAL
LAKE CHAD BASIN CONFERENCE: STRONG COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN RESPONSE IN THE REGION
On 23 and 24 January, the Governments of Niger, Germany and Norway, together with the United Nations co-hosted the 3rd High-level Conference on the Lake Chad Region in Niamey, Niger. The Conference reiterated the critical need to address growing humanitarian needs, the root causes and the interconnected dimensions of the Lake Chad Basin crisis and strengthen the resilience of millions of people affected. Participants recognized that security is being restored in parts of the region, thanks to the efforts of the four countries – Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. Improved security conditions have created opportunities for the return of state structures, the provision of essential social services and the revitalization of economies in those areas. Partners renewed their commitment to enhance coordinated action and collaboration among communities, local and national governments, regional institutions, and humanitarian, stabilization, peace, and development actors supported by international partners. Over US$500 million was announced to support locally led joint action.
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs