Rapid increase of displaced in Kabo, Gbaïzera

Nov 1st, 2007 by Tino Kreutzer, HDPT CAR

Internally displaced people forced to flee their homes in around Kabo

©Triangle GH

Several thousand villagers have fled their homes in the Ouham prefecture, north-western Central African Republic. By 18 October, at least 1,800 people are said to have arrived in Kabo, while at least 750 sought refuge in Gbaïzera, 40 km south of Kabo. The rise in internal displacement poses a significant challenge to humanitarian aid organizations, many of which have little access to the region.

The villagers were forced to flee their homes following fighting between the APRD rebel group and government forces (FACA), as well as road bandits operating in the area. The fragile security situation has so far prevented humanitarian aid organizations from delivering aid to Kabo and Gbaïzera.

Due to a recent change in military tactics by government forces, further waves of internal displacement towards urban areas are expected.

On October 17, some IDPs had been reported to have left Gbaïzera, heading 25 km further south to Batangafo. Humanitarian organizations are providing assistance in this town thanks to a more stable security situation.

With the cooperation of local authorities, humanitarian aid organizations are making concerted efforts to manage the IDP influx. IDPs are often more vulnerable to diseases, including malaria, conjunctivitis, skin infections, diarrhea, and other illnesses. Although authorities did not declare an emergency situation, food security remains extremely precarious, as only few villagers were able to bring part of their harvest.

Many IDPs have little or no materials to build temporary shelters or makeshift homes. While the exact humanitarian needs are yet to be assessed, there is an immediate need for food, drinking water, latrines, non-food items, shelter, security, and medical care.

Partial map of Kabo-Batangafo region, north-western Central African Republic