The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, with 64,427 cases and 1,888 deaths reported since the start of the year. UNICEF notes that the disease has spread to 17 of the country’s 26 provinces, including Kinshasa, driven by limited access to clean water and sanitation, ongoing conflict, flooding, displacement, and rapid urbanization. Children are especially vulnerable, accounting for 14,818 cases and 340 deaths; a tragic incident in a Kinshasa orphanage claimed the lives of 16 children as the disease spread rapidly. The government’s $192 million Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan remains severely underfunded, and UNICEF warns that without urgent financing many more lives could be lost. The agency has supported rapid‑response teams, treatment centers, and improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, reaching over 13.5 million people with prevention information.
In Sudan, hundreds of airstrikes by the national air force have killed more than 1,700 civilians and injured over 1,100 since April 2023. The Sudan Witness Project has documented 384 strikes targeting homes, markets, schools, hospitals and displacement camps, attributing the attacks to the Sudanese Armed Forces, which have repeatedly dropped unguided bombs in densely populated areas.
The United Nations has launched its 2026 humanitarian appeal, requesting $23 billion to address global crises, including the cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the conflict in Sudan. This request is markedly lower than the $47 billion sought in 2025, reflecting a sharp decline in donor funding. The UN warns that humanitarian responders are overstretched, underfunded and under attack, and that insufficient funding could have devastating consequences for millions in need.
Amnesty International has urged Tanzanian authorities to respect and protect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression ahead of nationwide protests planned for December 9. The organization called on police to avoid unnecessary or excessive force and warned against blanket internet shutdowns.
In Benin, two senior military officials taken hostage during a failed coup have been freed, and the government announced that the situation is under control. The coup attempt was sparked by criticism over deteriorating security, cuts to social services and political restrictions.
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