The Humanitarian Coordinator Strongly Condemns Attacks Against Civilians in Bangassou

Bangui, 22 July 2017 – The city of Bangassou in the Prefecture of Mbomou (South East of the Central African Republic) was again the scene of inter-communal violence and acts of violence against civilians on 21st of July. A place of worship, the Cathedral, also suffered thefts and extensive depredations. Staff from a charitable organization and some internally displaced people (IDPs) were sequestered. Houses were set on fire in the surrounding neighbourhood.

The Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic, Najat Rochdi, strongly condemns these incidents “which occured at a time when the humanitarian community is still trying to meet the needs caused by the May 13 attack and as Bangassou is barely recovering”. Members of armed groups and different communities participated in the violence. “Violent incidents on the IDP site and in its vicinity as well as the kidnapping of civilians and humanitarian workers are not acceptable and must be condemned by all”, stressed Najat Rochdi.

The Humanitarian Coordinator also strongly condemns attacks on humanitarian convoys and facilities, theft of supplies meant for the most vulnerable, and repeated threats against humanitarian actors whose frequency has increased significantly in Bangassou over last week. In this regard, Najat Rochdi insisted that “any attack against humanitarian personnel and their facilities constitutes a serious violation of international law". She reminded parties to the conflict of "their obligations with regard to the protection of civilians. This implies that they must ensure the safety, protect the physical integrity and freedom of movement of civilians as well as allow and facilitate unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance ":

Najat Rochdi drew the attention of the perpetrators of the violence on the fact that "such violence is not likely to encourage the investments needed to face the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic. They steer against the tremendous efforts made by the Central African authorities and the international community to address the severe humanitarian crisis in the CAR, "she added.

For more information, please contact OCHA CAR
Karen Perrin, Deputy Head of Office, +236 70 73 53 20, perrink@un.org
Yaye Nabo Séne, Chief, Public Information + 236 70 08 75 65, seney@un.org
Press releases are available on www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int