For Many in the Central African Republic, the War Isn’t Over

May 20, 2015

The Central Africa Republic has been embroiled in civil conflict since a rebel movement from the north descended on the capital, Bangui, and overthrew the government in December 2013. While stability has since improved in some parts of the Central African Republic, the situation in the town of Bambari remains volatile. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that more than 80,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) are in the city and surrounding region. Attacks and counterattacks by armed elements linked with rebel factions and militias have led to cycles of intercommunal violence pitting some members of Muslim and Christian communities against each other. There are multiple internal displacement camps within the city, as well as IDPs who are residing with host families. Bambari is also a temporary home to a small population of Sudanese refugees who fled Darfur in 2011 and who are now unable to move freely between their camp and the town because of the insecurity. While the presence of UN peacekeepers has somewhat stabilized the situation for those in Bambari and around the camps, security will have to improve significantly before people will be able to return home.

There are more than 30,000 internally displaced people in Bambari right now. Many live in informal camps, like this one, while others live with host families.

Alex fled his neighborhood when it was attacked last year, and has been living in an IDP camp only two kilometers from his home ever since. “If I go home, where will I sleep? My home was destroyed.”

Many neighborhoods in Bambari are deserted after armed groups attacked and burned down homes.

The charred remains of an attack last year. Even if security returns to these neighborhoods, IDPs say they will need support to rebuild their homes.

Though many people have lost their jobs, some women in the camps collect and sell firewood to earn money.

Many of the displaced came from the city center and managed small businesses. Despite being displaced, some are able to keep their businesses going in the camps

Water points, such as this one, are supported by the international aid organizations. There is a real need for donor governments to provide adequate funding for much-needed emergency services.

Even in the most difficult circumstances, children in the camps find a way to smile.

In addition to the IDPs in Bambari, nearly 2,000 refugees who fled the war in Darfur, Sudan live in a camp run by UNHCR 10 km outside of town. They used to move freely to town and engage with the local population. But now the insecurity prevents this.

Over 300 refugee children have been born in the camp since it was established in 2011. In addition to classes in French, they are also learning in Arabic in case one day their families are able to return to Sudan.