BACKGROUND
Increasing violence between the Central African Republic Government (CARG) and armed opposition groups, as well as insecurity attributed to Chadian and Sudanese opposition forces and widespread banditry, have displaced an estimated 220,000 people, including 150,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern CAR and 66,000 refugees in Chad and Cameroon. The 2003 military coup that brought current president Francis Bozizé to power resulted in extensive displacement and damage to infrastructure across the north. Recent violence has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in the most-affected prefectures of Ouham, Ouham-Pendé, Gribingui, Haute-Kotto, Vakaga, and Bamingui-Bangoran. However, the impact of insecurity in the region is not homogenous, ranging from normalcy in many areas to the razing of villages and displacement in others. On February 2, CARG and two main armed opposition groups signed a peace accord calling for an immediate ceasefire and the integration of opposition groups into the national army. While the accord represents a significant development, improved security will ultimately depend on implementation of the accord and the inclusion of remaining opposition groups in the peace process.
On January 31, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires A. James Panos declared a disaster in response to the increasing humanitarian needs in the county and requested assistance from USAID/OFDA. In FY 2007, USAID has provided more than $5.7 million in humanitarian assistance to support agriculture and food security, coordination, food assistance, and water, sanitation, and hygiene programming.
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NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
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SOURCE
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| IDPs | 150,000 | OCHA(1) - November 2006 |
| CAR Refugees | In Chad: 46,000
In Cameroon: 20,000 | UNHCR(2) -- November 2006 |
| Total Affected Population | 1 million | OCHA - November 2006 |
FY 2007 HUMANITARIAN FUNDING PROVIDED TO DATE
USAID/OFDA Assistance to CAR: $1,551,891
USAID/FFP3 Assistance to CAR: $4,196,500
TOTAL USAID Humanitarian Assistance to CAR: $5,748,391
CURRENT SITUATION
USAID Assessment Team Visit
Between January 28 and February 10, a five-member USAID assessment team conducted an assessment of humanitarian conditions in northern CAR with a focus on IDPs affected by recent conflict. The team highlighted the need for a more robust humanitarian response, including the provision of emergency relief supplies, food security and agriculture interventions, improved access to water and sanitation facilities, enhanced humanitarian coordination, and increased protection through an expanded U.N. presence in affected areas.
Displaced Populations
As a result of escalating attacks by armed opposition groups and counter-insurgency measures by CARG, OCHA reports that the number of IDPs has tripled from 50,000 in April 2006 to an estimated 150,000.
Most displaced communities abandoned their homes and fled to forests or agricultural areas within a 10 km radius of their villages. Despite limited access to food, clean water, or health care, local coping mechanisms are strong, and humanitarian indicators are generally below emergency levels. However, according to relief agencies, emergency relief supplies and plastic sheeting are required as most IDPs fled without household items or supplies.
In response to identified needs, a USAID/OFDA airlift delivered emergency relief supplies, including blankets, plastic sheeting, and water containers valued at more than $175,000, to Bangui on February 16. The U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF) is distributing the relief commodities to assist 20,000 IDPs in affected northern prefectures. In addition, USAID/OFDA continues to work closely with partners to monitor conditions and to augment programs. The Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (State/PRM) supports ongoing protection and IDP assistance programs in northern CAR through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Notes:
(1) U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(2) Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
(3) USAID's Office of Food for Peace