from OMAN MBIKO in Bangui, Central African Republic
Central African Republic Bureau
BANGUI, (CAJ News) – THE humanitarian situation remains alarming in the south-east of the Central African Republic (CAR) following armed clashes between the national army, its allies and the ethnic militia, Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé.
Clashes between the militia and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), most intense in the town of Zémio, Haut-Mbomou prefecture, have led to casualties and displaced massive numbers of civilians who have left everything behind.
Some displaced people have sought refuge across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports that nearly 2 000 people lacked the means or a host family to take them in.
They are now taking shelter in Zémio’s hospital and Catholic church.
Conditions at both sites are reportedly extremely precarious, with food, drinking water and medicines all in short supply.
Haut-Mbomou is difficult to reach, thus all aid has to be delivered by plane.
“Displaced and wounded people here urgently need drinking water and medicine,” said Philippe Beauverd, head of the ICRC delegation in the CAR.
“A food shortage is also looming, since the community cannot go to work in the fields, the shops are shuttered and access roads to the town have been closed.”
ICRC is working in collaboration with the Central African Red Cross Society to meet the most urgent needs of displaced people.
Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé emerged in 2023 in response to years of violence by armed groups like the Union pour la Paix en Centrafrique and the Lord’s Resistance Army.
It primarily represents the Azande people, aiming to protect their lands from pastoralist Fulani herders and rebel groups.
The group has grown to over 1 000 fighters.
– CAJ News