Central African Republic: Humanitarian Coordinator expresses serious concerns on eviction of displaced persons in Bangui

(Bangui, September 14, 2015): The Humanitarian Coordinator, Aurélien A. Agbénonci, and the entire humanitarian community in the Central African Republic (CAR) express serious concerns on the eviction of 114 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Saint Jean Gabaladja site in Bangui on September 12. “I express my deep concerns regarding the action in forcing these 114 people out of the site," said Mr. Agbénonci. “Any movement of displaced populations must be based on a voluntary decision by the concerned people ensuring best safety conditions and respecting the dignity of persons affected, following the rules and principles of the International Humanitarian Law and the Kampala Convention.”

A temporary solution to relocate the 46 households to Benzvi IDPs site was found to accommodate the families provisionally. They have received humanitarian support for their resettlement. Meanwhile tents were dismantled at the Saint Jean Gabaladja site with the support of the local police to allow reopening of school.

Another 9 sites under eviction threat in Bangui housing more than 2,700 people might face the same faith. There are still 31 sites in the capital with a total of 27,315 IDPs. In recent years the country experienced a major political crisis affecting almost all of the population. Approximately 2.7 million people, more than half of the population, are in urgent need of assistance.