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Central Africa Republic: Conditions expected to deteriorate

First delivery of aid for displaced people in township

The International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC] has for the first time been able to come to the aid of 6,500 people who have taken refuge in the town of Kaga–Bandoro, which is North East of the capital Bangui. The Agency reports the conditions are harsh but not as deadly as the outbreak of fighting between Government forces and armed opposition which broke out in the North West of the country around six months ago and forced people to flee.

Head of the ICRC delegation, Jean–Nicholas Marti said, “The northern part of the republic is prone to armed violence. As the rainy season approached and roads became impassable, living conditions for the most vulnerable among the population could be expected to deteriorate further.”

Planned to precede the rains and thus ensure people have essential items, the recent aid delivery contains tarpaulins, mats, blankets, soap, basins and cooking kits. The operation is being carried out in conjunction with volunteers from the Central African Red Cross Society and will last for several weeks.

The ICRC opened an office in Kaga–Bandoro last April in order to better meet the aid and protection needs of those affected by the violence.

For further information visit the ICRC website at: www.icrc.org.

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