Message from the Humanitarian Coordinator [EN/FR]

Bangui, 8 August 2014: The Senior Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic (CAR), Claire Bourgeois, says she is deeply concerned about tens of thousands of displaced people in Ouham Province who have not yet received assistance following fighting in Batangafo. “We call on all parties involved in the fighting to respect the civilian population and humanitarian agencies trying to help them,” said Ms Bourgeois, who also called for a return to peace in line with the spirit of the recent Brazzaville ceasefire accord.

From late June, residents in Batangafo have been fearful of clashes between ex-Seleka and anti-balaka groups, and thousands began moving to makeshift displacement sites, notably the Catholic mission and Bercail school, where they were assisted by humanitarian actors.

Clashes in late July increased displacement, and an estimated 15,000 displaced persons are now thought to be in precarious conditions on the different roads from Batangafo. Humanitarian actors are already deployed in the areas where the security situation permits.

The atmosphere of insecurity prevailing in the area following these successive clashes is worrying especially for the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. “I specifically urge all parties to refrain from any activity that could lead to further population displacement and weaken their already precarious situation” said the Senior Humanitarian Coordinator.
 For more information contact:
John James, Head of Public Information and IM, OCHA CAR, calvinjames@un.org, Tel : +236 70 857 590
Laura Fultang, Public Information, OCHA RCA, fultangl@un.org, Tel : +236 70 188 064
Press releases from OCH are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int