HDPT Info Bulletin 53
Apr 2nd, 2008 by Gisele Willybiro, OCHA
24 to 31 March 2008 - Highlights:
- Démafouth political leader of APRD
- Findings of IMF mission on 6 - 20 March
- Abductions, looting and rape during attacks in the southeast of the Central African Republic
- Agreement between the Government and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
Background and security
Démafouth is the new political leader of APRD
A former Minister of Defense living in France, Jean-Jacques Démafouth, declared on 26 March that he is the new head of the Popular Army for the Restoration of the Republic and Democracy (APRD), a militant group active in the northwest of CAR. In an interview with Radio France International (RFI) Démafouth announced that the APRD would now be represented in the inclusive political dialogue. Until now, the group had refused to participate in the preparatory committee for a nationwide inclusive political dialogue.
Findings of IMF mission
A delegation for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Bangui from 6 to 20 March to conduct the second review of a Government program supported by the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). After meeting with the Central African authorities, central bank officials, representatives of the private sector and civil society, and donors, the IMF mission said: “In 2007 economic recovery continued, with real GDP growth exceeding 4 percent and inflation declining to about 1 percent. […] The objectives for 2008 aim at sustaining growth at around 5 percent while preserving the macroeconomic and fiscal discipline. […] Notwithstanding some setbacks, overall performance under the PRGF-supported program has been satisfactory and, subject to approval by Fund management and continued implementation of program policies, the IMF Executive Board is expected to consider the second review under the PRGF arrangement in June 2008.”
Initial operational capacity for EUFOR
EUFOR, the European Union military force deploying in eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic along with MINURCAT, announced on 17 March that it has officially started its one-year mission mandated by the United Nations. With the currently available equipment and units EUFOR declared it has achieved ‘initial operational capacity’. EUFOR, which will have 3,700 troops by June this year, started its deployment in January.
Current events
Attacks in south-eastern CAR
From 22 to 25 March, a United Nations team visited the region of Bambouti / Obo in the prefecture of Haut-Mbomou in the southeast of the Central African Republic. The team assessed the situation of the civilian population, who had suffered from attacks and hostage taking by an unidentified armed group. Based on direct and indirect testimonies from victims, the team could confirm that about 300 armed elements had attacked four villages between February 19 and March 10, and abducted over 150 people, including 55 children. The villages (Bambouti, Gbassigbiri, Ligoua, Obo) are located in the border region between CAR, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
Both men and women were abducted and forced to carry the loot stolen by the attackers. Subsequently, nearly 40 abductees were released. Of these, several women said they had been raped. None of the 55 children under the age of 15 were released. Fearing resurging violence, many people in the region have abandoned their villages and are now hiding in the bush at night.
To read more, download the full bulletin in English (PDF; 126 KB)
