Central African Republic: Humanitarian Coordinator strongly condemns repeated attacks on sites for internally displaced people

(Bangui, 16 November 2015): The Humanitarian Coordinator, Aurélien A. Agbénonci, and the entire humanitarian community in the Central African Republic (CAR) condemn the repeated attacks on the internally displaced people (IDPs) in Batangafo and Bambari on 10 and 11 November respectively.

The sudden eruption of inter communal violence in Batangafo, Ouham Province, on 10 November left at least ten people killed and several injured. Over 730 shelters were burned in the IDP site hosting over 30,000 people and currently the largest site in the country. The fresh clashes forced thousands of people to flee towards the compounds of international non-governmental organizations, the MINUSCA compound and some public buildings. Meanwhile in Bambari, Ouaka Province, the renewed violence left three people killed, more than 30 injured and newly displaced people. “I condemn all attacks causing deaths and injuries among the civilian population, and remind all parties involved that the indiscriminate attack against civilians is a war crime. The parties involved in the clashes must respect the inalienable rights of men, women and children to life. Civilians should not be targeted,” said Mr. Agbénonci.

This new spiral of violence is causing additional humanitarian needs in CAR and the increasing insecurity is rendering the work of humanitarian actors even more challenging. Despite of rising challenges, humanitarian workers are committed to stay and deliver live-saving assistance, including the provision of medical care, water and sanitation, and the distribution of non-food and food items. “It is urgent that international laws and conventions are respected and that all parties to the conflict take immediate action and responsibility to respect the humanitarian space and secure the rights of the civilian population of the Central African Republic, who are among the most vulnerable people in the world. We need to end all this suffering that is unacceptable.” Mr. Agbénonci added.

Until the recent violence, CAR had an internally displaced population estimated at 399,000 people, while almost 460,000 had fled to neighboring countries.