Attachments
Highlights
▪ During the reporting week, in the Vakaga region, the onset of the dry season had increased the pendular population movements across the border between Am Dafock in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudan. The daily crossings involved Sudanese individuals travelling to CAR for various needs including medical care provided by UNHCR’s partner, the International Medical Corps (IMC), participation in the weekly market and other activities. These cross-border movements have contributed to the peaceful coexistence of the communities. However, ongoing military operations, particularly counter attacks by government forces against positions held by the RSF, may lead to an escalation in pendular movements toward the CAR, with some refugees considering Am Dafock as a transit point before proceeding to Korsi.
▪ According to the National Commission for Refugees (Commission Nationale pour les Réfugiés – CNR) in Am Dafock, Sudanese face financial difficulties covering transportation costs to reach Korsi in Birao. Some of them have decided to stay in Am Dafock while the government’s position was to assist only those opting to go to Korsi. In this regard, a meeting was held in the previous week with local authorities, during which they provisionally allocated a plot of land to accommodate 217 people who are currently in Am Dafock. Meanwhile, other individuals have been reported remaining in Sudan, specifically in the town of Goba, hoping to make their way to Am Dafock in the event they can secure the necessary means to make the journey.
▪ In the Haute-Kotto and Ouaka prefectures refugee-hosting areas, the security was relatively calm in the urban areas due to deterrent patrols conducted by the National Security Forces (FACA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. (MINUSCA) forces. However, the situation remains uncertain and unpredictable in peripheral areas and major roadways primarily due to the presence and activities of non-state armed groups. This instability continues to expose the civilian population to acts of violence, human rights violations, and extortion practices.
Population Movements and Registration
During the reporting week, 344 new refugees (136 families) arrived in Birao, Vakaga prefecture, bringing the total number of Sudanese living in that area to 16,877 individuals from 7,185 families. The number of children has reached 9,672 (57 per cent). The National Commission for Refugees (CNR) and UNHCR conducted the biometric registration of 306 individuals from 122 families.
In December, the weekly average number of new refugees arriving in Korsi has risen to 264, reflecting an increase compared to previous weeks. This weekly average surpasses those recorded in November (239), October (63), September (53) and August (27), indicating a growing trend in arrivals.
Outside Korsi, in Sam-Ouandja, Bria and Ippy in Haute-Kotto and Ouaka prefectures, 2,974 Sudanese refugees within 967 families are biometrically registered. In addition, CNR reported the arrival of 105 families of 364 individuals in Sam-Ouandja during the reporting week. These movements are directly linked to the ongoing conflicts in Sudan.