“The battling groups immediately need to stop attacks on civilians and humanitarian organisations and give us safe access to people in need”, said Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Olivier David.
NRC, like most other humanitarian organisations, have had to temporarily halt humanitarian operations in the capital Bangui and all field offices due to the security situation, after new violence erupted in the capital on 26September. More than 40 people have been killed, hundreds wounded and more than 40,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting.
“There are immediate needs for emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene items, food and health care. Many of the displaced are not yet receiving any assistance, and we are particularly concerned for vulnerable groups, like children and the elderly”, said David.
NRC is planning to respond with water and sanitation facilities, emergency items and shelter, as soon as the security situation allows.
Staff unharmed
Several offices and staff residences of humanitarian organisations have been looted during the recent fighting in the capital.
“All NRC staff are unharmed and there are no damages to NRC property. The house of one of our local staff members has been burned down, but luckily he and his family are safe. It reflects the terrible impact the spurs in violence has on innocent civilians. Many have had their homes looted or burned down and thousands of people have had to flee in search for safety”, said David.
The latest violence shows the fragility of the CAR peace process. The situation in several parts of the country remains volatile and unpredictable. Attacks on humanitarians and civilians continue. This has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation. More than 2.7 million people across the country are in need of support.
Instability
“People here in Bangui are again living in a state of fear. The situation is still very tense in some parts of the city. The population is more than tired of the instability which has affected the country since 2013, and want a durable peace.”
“We must prevent the country from plunging back into violent conflicts. Now there is a need to invest in the peace process, and in meeting the grave humanitarian needs. As long as people’s needs are not met, frustration will build up and conflicts more easily arise”, said David.
Less than half of the funds needed to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs in the Central African Republic this year has been made available by donors.