News Bulletin 69 (14 - 21 July 2008)
Posted in CAP, Caritas, Central African Republic, MSF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, sitrep on Jul 21st, 2008 No Comments »
Highlights
- $ 9 million grant from China
- Energy crisis hits hospitals in Bangui
- Assistance to the displaced in Kamba Kota and Batangafo in Ouham province
- Departure of Toby Lanzer, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in CAR
Background and security
Deadly attack near Sibut
On 16 July, bandits, also known as zaraguinas, opened fire on the vehicle of the official representative of the Forestry Ministry, Pierre Ndikini, in the region of Sibut, about 180 km north of Bangui. Mr. Ndikini was fatally wounded and died soon after in the Sibut hospital. The next day, another attack targeted the truck of a humanitarian NGO in the same region. Continue Reading »
About 1,400 displaced people are living in the village of Kamba Kota (Ouham) in terrible health and security conditions. They fled their villages following attacks by armed bandits, who reportedly killed 37 people. The banditry victims come from Kambandja, Kassai and Kagoué II villages on the road to Ouogo to the north of Kamba Kota.
Since 2005, the civilian population in northern CAR has been subjected to widespread human rights violations perpetrated by rebel groups, armed and security forces, and armed bandits (coupeurs de route). Attacks by coupeurs de route have recently increased and become more violent. The Central African Government lacks the capacity to effectively assert control over large parts of its territory and thus is unable to ensure the security and protection of civilians. This situation has caused massive population displacements. 
Legislators in the Central African Republic (CAR) have unanimously approved a new law guaranteeing refugees protection and many other fundamental rights. The National Assembly adopted the Law on the Status of Refugees last Thursday, some six months after the draft was given a green light by the government’s Council of Ministers. 
