Central African Republic: “Bienvenue a Bangui”

 In an eye-witness account, UNHCR staff member Hugo Reichenberger reports from Bangui, Central African Republic on the ongoing refugee crisis in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR).

In a country where violence over the past year has left more than 900,000 internally displaced people, the roots of the inter-communal conflict are complicated and, in recent weeks, the situation has been exacerbated by individual and mob violence as well as banditry.”

Volker Türk, UNHCR’s Geneva-based director of international protection is quoted saying:

“Inter-communal violence has reached dangerous levels and, as this episode reveals, the long-term safety of these people relies on countering impunity for acts of violence and tackling the roots of this growing hatred while finding means to promote peaceful co-existence.”

Read Reichenberger’s full article at unhcr.org: “Emergency evacuation from a crucible of violence“

Note: Hugo Reichenberger acts as an “Associate Reporting Officer” at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

According to UN officials the humanitarian crisis in Central African Republic unfolded in September 2013 when violent attacks broke out between anti-Balaka fighters and Seleka rebels. The Seleka made up of a Muslim majority with many of the rebels originating from northern Central African Republic. Sudan and Chad brought to power a new president Michel Djotodia, a former Seleka leader in a March 24, 2013 coup. The political establishment has failed to control the armed group that has wreaked havoc, including murdering, looting and burning of villages on the civilian population with mass displacements resulting. (UNHCR / 2013)

For more information on current operations in CAR see the UNHCR “Fact Sheet”: “Central African Republic“