In 2015, clashes between members of the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka groups forced many people to flee the town of Dékoa. The majority headed north, crossing into neighbouring Chad and the border town of Sido.
With support from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and the European Union humanitarian aid and civil protection (ECHO), Dékoa is now slowly witnessing the return of these displaced people.
Alisene, the district leader, reports that as of July 2017, more than 300 displaced people from the Muslim community have returned to their homes in Dékoa.
“They want to get back to the city and check the state of their property,” he explains. Most of the returning refugees have lost everything, including their houses, which were completely destroyed during the crisis. “Often their decision to return is linked to a real or perceived improvement of the security situation in town,” Alisene adds.
Conflict resolution
Today, calm has returned to Dékoa, where NRC, with ECHO’s support, conducts activities to promote social cohesion. Inter-communal tension has been a major driver of conflict in this area. In addition to social cohesion programmes, NRC teams are working to ensure that shelter rehabilitation and latrine construction projects serve the Muslim and Christian communities equally.
In 2016, NRC set up protection committees in districts throughout the town to foster dialogue and conflict resolution between communities. NRC trained members of these committees, which include local authorities, to work with their communities on peaceful conflict resolution methods. The protection committees facilitate the return of displaced people and help to reduce violence. All committee members serve on a voluntary basis, which will help secure the committees’ longevity.
Reconstruction
Amath, imam of the central mosque in Dékoa, returned in March 2017. NRC rehabilitated his house, which had been burnt to the ground.
“If you see us [Muslim returnees] now in Dékoa, it is thanks to NRC’s work for social cohesion and reconstruction,” he remarks.
Madeleine is also happy to be back home. The 62-year-old mother of four fled to Bangui in 2013, because of the violence. When she returned home, she found that her house had been destroyed. NRC has supported the rehabilitation of her house together with a committee of community members.
“I wish for continued support to those who, like me, are unable to rehabilitate their house themselves,” she says.
