DR Congo: West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (6–12 October 2026)

Please refer to the attached Infographic. Nigeria Diphtheria outbreak claims 700 lives across 26 states Between January and early October 2026, Nigeria recorded over 26, 000 suspected diphtheria cases, including 19, 000 confirmed infections and 700 deaths across 26 states, with a case fatality rate of 3. 6 per cent. Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Katsina and Sokoto account for 66 per cent of reported cases. Overcrowding and limited access to essential services increase transmission risks, particularly in conflict- and displacement-affected areas. Despite ongoing vaccination and surveillance efforts, shortages of diphtheria antitoxin, limited laboratory capacity and reporting delays continue to constrain the response. West Africa Displacement crisis deepens as nearly 4 million people remain uprooted UNHCR has warned that nearly 4 million people are displaced across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, almost double the number recorded in 2020. Persistent insecurity and armed violence continue to drive displacement, placing growing pressure on host communities, essential services, water resources and livelihoods. The crisis is increasingly affecting coastal West African countries, with hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo. UNHCR has called for urgent investment to address rising humanitarian needs and strengthen resilience across the region. Central African Republic Heavy rains and strong winds affect 1, 400 people in Mbomou Prefecture Since 7 October, heavy rains and strong winds have damaged homes, community latrines, wells and food stocks in Bakouma and Nzako, in southeastern Central African Republic. As of 11 October, preliminary assessments indicate that 280 shelters and approximately 1, 400 people have been affected. Families whose homes were destroyed are sheltering with neighbours under difficult conditions. OCHA continues to monitor the situation and coordinate a multisectoral response. Democratic Republic of the Congo Ebola outbreak compounds worsening humanitarian crisis The ongoing Ebola outbreak is exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 6. 1 million people displaced, over 26 million facing food insecurity and more than 4 million children under five affected by malnutrition. The outbreak is spreading among communities already affected by conflict, insecurity and disrupted access to essential services. Humanitarian Coordinator Damien Mama warned that the overlapping crises are compounding vulnerabilities and further straining response efforts. Humanitarian operations remain challenging, with eight aid workers killed since the beginning of 2026. The UN and humanitarian partners continue to provide life-saving assistance, calling for urgent international support to address growing needs.

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