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The European Commission is releasing €1 million in humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs for assistance following the outbreak of violence in the Central African Republic started at the end of September.
The new fighting, which broke out on 26 September 2015 between rival groups, resulted in over 40 000 displacements in the capital Bangui. More than 75 people have been killed and more than 400 injured. The crisis has subsequently spread across the provinces, notably in the cities of Bambari, Dekoa and Kaga Bandoro.
The premises of several aid agencies have been attacked and looted. The EU has called for an immediate stop of all attacks on the civilian population and the targeting of humanitarian workers.
In spite of the temporary reduction of humanitarian presence in the country in the first days of October due to the high level of insecurity, life-saving activities never ceased.
The new EU aid will help meet the immediate needs of the newly displaced population.
Background
The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world, currently facing a very severe humanitarian crisis. Following a regime change in March 2013, the country has struggled to restore stability and order. About 400 000 people are still internally displaced (IDPs) more than two years later. Tens of thousands of refugees languish in camps in neighbouring countries.
With over €225 million provided since 2014, the EU is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic. It has provided over €96 million in humanitarian aid in 2015 alone.
Read more news and field blogs of European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO).
