NGOs sound the alarm over the worsening crisis in CAR

On 19th October 2017, five international humanitarian NGOs sounded the alarm over the worsening crisis in the Central African Republic. It is estimated that 80 percent of the country is currently being controlled by armed forces, and one of every two citizens relies on humanitarian assistance to survive. In this situation, humanitarian workers and NGOs are also being increasingly targeted by armed groups, making the space for humanitarian operations and assistance even narrower. Marilyn Citaddini, head of mission for Solidarités International, spoke about the increasing number of challenges faced by the humanitarian sector, stating that:

"Since the beginning of the year, more than 280 incidents that directly affected NGOs were reported. In the last semester, there was an average of 43 incidents per month".

Humanitarian NGOs have ceased their operation in the areas around the towns of Zemio, Bocaranga and Batangafo, while evacuations of humanitarian aid workers from seven other towns - either on a temporary or permanent basis - have been taking place since May 2017. 

Several national and international organisations have requested that the UN Security Council renew and strengthen the mandate of the UN Mission in Central Africa, which expires on 15th November 2017. A coalition of 28 national and international organisations working in the country issued an open letter to this end, also asking for the approval of the recommendations of the UN General Secretary Antonio Gutterres, who visited the country on 24th October, to add 900 extra military officers to the mission and increase their coverage of the country. The coalition emphasised that the UN make the protection of civilians their main task.  

Association

Unidentified assailants killed Youssouf Atteipe, a driver for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), when the convoy was attacked by unidentified assailants east of Kaga Bandoro. The convoy consisted of a truck and a 4x4, with the ICRC's emblem and logo clearly displayed on the vehicles.