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Weekly
highlights
Every week, we publish new highlights on recent humanitarian developments to enable crisis responders to prioritise based on the needs of affected populations.
15/01/2025
Sudan
Nearly 30.4 million people in Sudan – almost two-thirds of the population – are projected to require humanitarian assistance in 2025, up from 24.8 million in 2024 and 15.8 million in 2023 before the eruption of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. The conflict has increased needs, particularly food security, health, and protection. Half of the population is projected to face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) until at least May 2025, with famine pockets (IPC Phase 5) emerging since August 2024. Protection needs are significant in Sudan, with the fighting parties engaging in widespread acts of torture, gender-based violence, and ethnically targeted attacks. Health needs are high, with only 25% of facilities functional in conflict zones and vaccination rates dropping from 85% pre-conflict to 50% nationwide (with the coverage in some areas reaching only 30%). (OCHA 31/12/2024, IPC accessed 14/01/2025, OHCHR 29/10/2024)
14/01/2025
DRC
Since early January 2025, intense clashes have continued in Masisi territory (North Kivu) between the Congolese Armed Forces and the M23 armed group. Fighting remains dynamic, with shifting control of Masisi-Centre and surrounding areas. Over 100,000 people have been displaced, with civilians seeking refuge in health facilities in Masisi and Nyabiondo and others moving towards Minova and Numbi in South Kivu, where hospitals are also treating the wounded. Humanitarian access remains limited because of insecurity, while urgent needs include food, medical care, and shelter. Territorial disputes persist across the region, maintaining limited humanitarian presence and raising protection concerns. (RFI 14/01/2025, MSF 09/01/2025, OCHA 07/01/2025)
14/01/2025
Ethiopia
Since October 2024, seismic activity has been affecting parts of the Afar and Oromia regions, particularly the Awash and Dulecha districts. This activity intensified at the end of December, with approximately 50 earthquakes recorded between 4–10 January 2025, ranging in magnitude from 4.2–5.8. The strongest quake occurred near Dofen Mountain on 4 January. Approximately 51,000 people have been displaced in the Afar Region, and 20,000 in the Oromia Region. The majority of IDPs have sought refuge in informal sites, including schools and other facilities. Infrastructure has also suffered damage. Several schools in both regions were severely or partially damaged, affecting over 7,000 students. Widening fissures have disrupted road networks, complicating the transportation of essential supplies. Despite the humanitarian efforts, there remains a critical need for shelter, food, medicine, NFIs, and protection. Scientific assessments are in progress, as it is uncertain if the seismic activity will continue. (OCHA 10/01/2025, ECHO 10/01/2025)
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