The security and political situation remains tense, with sporadic fighting between armed groups and killings of civilians and aid workers in various states.

The threat of gender-based violence remains high as levels of displacement and the ethnic dimensions of the conflict worsened. Reports of attacks on women and girls seeking firewood, food or trying to find relatives outside of Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites and IDP camps continued throughout the country.

As the country’s economy continues to decline, it is likely that cases of forced marriage will increase. Marrying off girls is a way of generating income through dowries for families who are suffering from the prevailing poverty and hunger.