Displacement increases in Central African Republic

(New York/ Bangui, 31 March 2009): An upsurge in violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) has caused tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes since January 2009. The ongoing unrest is undermining progress towards power-sharing between the Government and rebel groups and dampening hopes for an end to the humanitarian crisis that has dominated the country for over a decade.

The latest clashes in the country's north east between government troops and an emerging rebel group, the CPJP (Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace), have forced an estimated 6,400 people to flee into the bush, while another 9,200 have taken refuge across the border in Chad.

In the North West of CAR in mid-March, clashes between various groups - rebels, Government troops, self-defense vigilantes as well as assailants from Chad - caused the displacement of up to 2,500 villagers.

In the last decade, over 300,000 people have fled their homes due to violence in the Central African Republic. In 2008, refugees and internally displaced people had begun to return to their villages following various peace agreements signed with rebel groups. This trend culminated in December 2008 with the holding of the successful Inclusive Political Dialogue, which brought together all parties in the capital, Bangui.

Since January of this year, however, renewed fighting across the North has caused an estimated 23,800 more people to flee their homes. While a humanitarian response is underway to meet their needs, Government troops have restricted access to those in need on several occasions during the month of March.

"Those who have fled their homes and lost their livelihoods are now in desperate need of protection and humanitarian aid," said interim Humanitarian Coordinator for CAR Mai Moussa Abari.

"We call on the Government to ensure consistent humanitarian access to all of its citizens who have been displaced by recent events," he continued.

The 2008 CAP was the best funded; however this year funding received for the Central African Republic's Coordinated Aid Programme currently stands at 22% of a required $116 million, with critical shortfalls in priority sectors such as health and protection.

For further information, please call: Bangui: Louise Williams, IDP Advocacy Campaign Officer - OCHA CAR: williams14@un.org +236 7018 8064