HIGHLIGHTS
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USAID/OFDA airlifts relief items into the Central African Republic (CAR)
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Ex-Séléka fighters regroup in northern CAR
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The U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has negotiated the release of 1,000 children from armed groups in 2014
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
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On May 15, USAID/OFDA airlifted relief items into CAR’s capital city of Bangui for consignment to partner Catholic Relief Services (CRS). USAID/OFDA-provided commodities included blankets, water containers, and kitchen sets. In the coming weeks,
CRS plans to distribute the relief items to approximately 30,000 IDPs in Ouham Prefecture’s Bossangoa town. -
On May 14, U.S. President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order declaring a national emergency to address the threat in CAR. The order authorizes sanctions against former CAR President Francois Bozizé and four ex-government officials and armed group members linked to violence and atrocities in the country.
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In mid-May, at least 500 ex-Séléka fighters met in Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture’s Ndele town to discuss force unity and appoint a new commander. The humanitarian community is closely monitoring the actions of ex-Séléka and other armed groups to determine potential emergent needs or impact on assistance efforts.