The United Nations refugee agency has expressed concern over the increasing mass displacements in the Central African Republic following the recent spate of clashes.
“Since May, fresh and fierce clashes between armed groups in the CAR have wrought increasing suffering, deaths and destruction of property,” spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Andrej Mahecic said.
“Many newly displaced people speak of having witnessed killings, robberies, lootings and kidnappings. Even after reaching safe locations, they often risk assault by armed groups, if they venture outside,” he added.
According to the UN agency, the crisis, well into its fourth year, has left one in every two Central African in need of humanitarian assistance or protection to survive and, if left to fester, the violence could negate the progress towards recovery in the country.
The violence has driven more than 500,000 people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries while also displacing another 600,000 within the country.
The high levels of insecurity has across the country have prevented UNHCR and other elief organizations from fully assessing the full extent of damage or displacement.
“Some of our planned humanitarian deliveries by air have also been delayed or blocked, due to the armed groups’ presence [and] aid agencies, including UNHCR, are increasingly among those targeted by armed groups and have, in some instances, been compelled to temporary withdraw their personnel,” said Mr. Mahecic.
Earlier this year, UNCHR issued an appeal for $209 million for its operations within the country as well as to assist refugees from the Central African Republic in neighbouring countries. However, only 9 per cent of the appeal has been funded thus far.
