Rising rebel attacks disrupt aid delivery in CAR

YAOUNDE, Cameroon

Growing rebel attacks in the Central African Republic (CAR) have disrupted aid delivery to 2.8 million people in need of essential humanitarian assistance.

In a statement on Friday, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said it is deeply worried about the condition of civilians in need of aid, “but it is just too dangerous for us to continue operating at the moment.”

“Like most of the other humanitarian organizations, we have had to suspend our response in major parts of the country, including Nana Gribizi, Basse-Kotto and Mabere Kadei localities, where more than 120,000 displaced people rely on humanitarian assistance to survive,” said David Manan, NRC's country director for the CAR.

Rebel attacks against humanitarian workers have forced many international organizations to close field offices and move staff to the capital Bangui.

Since Dec. 15, 41 incidents against humanitarian personnel were recorded, including the killing of an aid worker, injuries to four people, and 35 robberies in field bases, according to the NRC.

“Hindering our access in the country is like cutting the lifeline to more than half of the population who rely on humanitarian support to survive. Dialogue and interaction between civilian and all military actors in the Central African Republic are necessary to avoid incidents on the ground and preserve the humanitarian space,” Manan said.

The situation has been tense in the landlocked Central African country after ex-President Francois Bozize’s candidacy for the Dec. 27, 2020 elections was turned down.

The retired general seized power in a 2003 coup but was overthrown in a 2013 rebellion. Several militia groups, some close to Bozize, have since attacked civilians, armed forces, and UN peacekeeping forces.

At least six UN peacekeepers have been killed in recent weeks.

Faustin-Archange Touadera, who won a second term as president in last month’s polls, has reiterated his commitment to peace.