Central African Republic: Humanitarian Coordinator welcomes return of displaced people to their homes in Berberati

(Bangui, July 15, 2015): The Humanitarian Coordinator for Central African Republic (CAR), Aurélien A. Agbénonci and the entire humanitarian community in the country welcomed the start of effective return of displaced persons for months in the Diocese of Berberati in the Mambéré – Kadéi province.

The first phase of this return, which took place on 14 July in Poto-Poto in the 5th district, concerned 42 households (92 people total). They have received food assistance for a month as well as non-food items to support their resettlement. The relative improvement in security in the town and the result of social cohesion and reconciliation activities initiated in recent months led to the success of the operation which will continue in the coming days.

"I welcome this positive advance. I congratulate all the national and international organizations involved in this operation. It is crucial to improve the humanitarian situation through the implementation of sustainable solutions while addressing the fundamental problems of poverty. I also want to express my gratitude to Bishop Kofi AGBE-Yandzi who has generously welcomed these families for so long, "said Mr Agbénonci.

In recent years, the country experienced a major political crisis that led to a violent conflict affecting almost all of the population. Approximately 2.7 million people, more than half of the population, are in urgent need of assistance. More than 368,000 people have fled their homes to seek refuge in spontaneous sites of displaced persons and / or are hosted by relatives while more than 462,000 have fled abroad.