A day doesn't pass without news about the Central African
Republic and the violence, instability and insecurity crippling a nation that
has had little to celebrate since achieving independence in 1962.
Friday, two aid agencies – the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Office of Migration (IOM) – gave
more evidence of the misery facing natives fleeing the violence and
inter-communal hatred.
“Every day, the plight of the Central African people gets
worse,” said Peter Maurer, president of the ICRC, following a three-day visit
to the country.
“Their suffering is compounded by repeated acts of
violence against civilians, pillaging, killings and sexual violence,” Maurer said in a statement distributed
by the African Press Organization.
“With poverty widespread and state institutions crippled
by years of instability and crisis, the country’s existing dependence on
humanitarian aid will only grow unless efforts are stepped up to restore
security.”
With
the situation in the Central Africcan Repubic (CAR) in a downward spiral, the
IOM on Friday appealed for $56.5 million to bring life-saving assistance to the
country and region.
The scope of IOM’s appeal has been broadened from CAR to
Chad and Cameroon, which are carrying a heavy burden of an influx of migrants
and returnees fleeing this terrible conflict.
“Security is deteriorating,” said Giuseppe Loprete, chief
of mission for the IOM in the country. “Attacks against the Muslim population
in Bangui and outside are continuing and road movements are not safe for
anyone, including aid workers. Muslim colleagues are particularly at risk, due
to the numerous check points set by anti-Balaka armed groups.”
The situation today appears to be spinning out of control.
Despite the presence of thousands of international peacekeeping forces, deadly
attacks continue across the region. Thousands have been killed in the last
year.
A cycle of tit-for-tat religious killing
rages between a Séléka rebel alliance, made up largely of Muslims, and so-called anti-balaka
forces, made up of local vigilantes, Christian defence militias and soldiers
loyal to the regime toppled by Séléka rebels.
In the course of his visit, Maurer was able to see for
himself the situation in the capital Bangui and in Kaga Bandoro and in Ndélé in
the north of the country.
Displaced people and local residents are living in
extremely difficult conditions, at the mercy of indiscriminate attacks against
men and women of all ages, including very young children.
Since December 2013, the violence has been at an
unprecedented level, with fighting particularly intense in certain parts of
Bangui and in the west of the country.
About 1 million out of a population of 4.5 million have fled their homes to seek refuge elsewhere in the
country or in neighboring countries, leaving everything behind and enduring
extreme hardship.
They are completely dependent on humanitarian aid. In
M’Poko, where the biggest settlement of displaced people has sprung up near
Bangui airport, water is supplied by the ICRC, while other humanitarian
organizations provide food and medical care.
- By Gary Rawlins
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