UNHCR CAR: Trapped communities in the Central African Republic
UNHCR CAR: Trapped communities in the Central African Republic
http://data.unhcr.org/car/regional.php, 22 Feb 2014
URL: http://data.unhcr.org/car/regional.php
Several Muslim communities remain trapped and vulnerable in different locations in Bangui and throughout the northwest of CAR, such as Boali, Bossangoa, Carnot and Nola.
On 7 February, a group of 21 Muslim men were killed in the village of Ombela while trying to escape the violence in the capital of Bangui. The group of 159 Muslims (21 Men, 19 Women and 121 Children) left the neighbourhood of PK12 and headed north, most likely towards Chad. When they reached the village of Ombela (125 km from Bangui), the vehicle in which they were travelling flipped and fell into a roadside ditch. Many were injured, especially among the children. Soon after, it was reported that a group of Anti-Balakas arrived on the accident scene, took the 21 men out into bush and killed them. The women and children were spared thanks to the efforts of the local village chief, who transferred them to another village some 15 kms away, next to Ferré. Once there, the women and children were sheltered in the house of the chief and his deputy. During their stay, it is reported that the Christian community provided food and water to them. The children were in pain because of their injuries but they were not able to receive any medical care as there were no health posts nearby. A pregnant woman gave birth one day following the accident and died few hours after delivery. Her baby survived for 10 days and died last Friday 14 February.
UNHCR learnt about this situation on Thursday, 13 February, through a teenager that was able to go back to Bangui alerting a UN driver about the incident. On Sunday 16 February, a UNHCR convoy with core-relief items, and colleagues from UNFPA and MISCA headed to the village of Ferré to carry the women and children to a safer place. When they arrived they were told by the village chief that Chadian trucks had transported the group onwards the night before probably to Chad, like thousands of other Muslims before them. Just today, on 22 February, it was reported that 3 Muslims were killed in Bangui's Combattant neighborhood (close to the airport).
Not later than this morning, 22 February, it was reported that 3 Muslims were killed in Bangui's Combattant neighbourhood (close to the airport). The challenge today is how to guarantee the protection of these communities and prevent such massacres. Physical security provided by the international forces is critical. At the same time, such incidents equally reveal that humanitarians may need to take exceptional measures such as relocations as a means to save lives.
By Dalia Al Achi, PI Officer, alachi@unhcr.org
On 7 February, a group of 21 Muslim men were killed in the village of Ombela while trying to escape the violence in the capital of Bangui. The group of 159 Muslims (21 Men, 19 Women and 121 Children) left the neighbourhood of PK12 and headed north, most likely towards Chad. When they reached the village of Ombela (125 km from Bangui), the vehicle in which they were travelling flipped and fell into a roadside ditch. Many were injured, especially among the children. Soon after, it was reported that a group of Anti-Balakas arrived on the accident scene, took the 21 men out into bush and killed them. The women and children were spared thanks to the efforts of the local village chief, who transferred them to another village some 15 kms away, next to Ferré. Once there, the women and children were sheltered in the house of the chief and his deputy. During their stay, it is reported that the Christian community provided food and water to them. The children were in pain because of their injuries but they were not able to receive any medical care as there were no health posts nearby. A pregnant woman gave birth one day following the accident and died few hours after delivery. Her baby survived for 10 days and died last Friday 14 February.
UNHCR learnt about this situation on Thursday, 13 February, through a teenager that was able to go back to Bangui alerting a UN driver about the incident. On Sunday 16 February, a UNHCR convoy with core-relief items, and colleagues from UNFPA and MISCA headed to the village of Ferré to carry the women and children to a safer place. When they arrived they were told by the village chief that Chadian trucks had transported the group onwards the night before probably to Chad, like thousands of other Muslims before them. Just today, on 22 February, it was reported that 3 Muslims were killed in Bangui's Combattant neighborhood (close to the airport).
Not later than this morning, 22 February, it was reported that 3 Muslims were killed in Bangui's Combattant neighbourhood (close to the airport). The challenge today is how to guarantee the protection of these communities and prevent such massacres. Physical security provided by the international forces is critical. At the same time, such incidents equally reveal that humanitarians may need to take exceptional measures such as relocations as a means to save lives.
By Dalia Al Achi, PI Officer, alachi@unhcr.org