The Central African Republic has experienced political crises since its independence 55 years ago.
A Chaotic Political Situation
The reign of François Bozizé these past 10 years has been marked by confrontations with the population, notably the Séléka movement.
This movement is the union of 5 rebel troops who overthrew the government in March 2013. The government established by this movement has no control over these armed groups that terrorize the population and increase the violence.
A Continuing Humanitarian Crisis
Given this political situation, the humanitarian situation, already worrisome before the fall of François Bozizé, is only worsening.
On July 30th 2013, the UNHCR estimated that 206,000 people had been internally displaced, and that 60,000 refugees had fled to Cameroon, Chad, and the Congo.
In a statement on July 2nd, 2013, UNICEF expressed its concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation, which affects children in particular. The spokesman for UNICEF declared that there has been “an increase in confirmed cases of violence against women and an increase in the number of unaccompanied children and in the recruitment of children.”
The health crisis, illustrated by the closure of medical centers, is paired with a food crisis. More and more people are demanding to receive food aid. Therefore, food provisions are not sufficient.
Concern from the International Community
Initially, the political instability was considered by the international community as a conflict resulting from a political crisis in the Central African Republic.
However, the political situation has not stabilized and the population is suffering. The UN has announced a pledge of 7 million Euros of aid to respond to this worsening humanitarian crisis.
This seems far from being sufficient after the European Union gave 330 million Euros for the food crisis in the Sahel in 2012. It’s nonetheless a first step towards a global awareness.
Humanitarian aid cannot solve everything, so the end of the political conflict is essential for the improvement of the humanitarian situation.
Sources :
The United Nations News Center
Press
