Central African Republic

Situation Report
Background
Maboussou health post looted by armed men. ©ALIMA/Guillaume KOUNAN, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, Central African Republic
Maboussou health post looted by armed men. ©ALIMA/Guillaume KOUNAN, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, Central African Republic

The upsurge in violence is severely impacting the healthcare system in the southeast

The southeastern part of the country has been the scene of community conflicts and fight for resource control involving several armed groups since 2017, with devastating consequences for local populations.

A region grappling with violence

The extreme southeast of the country faces numerous challenges such as the lack of investment in infrastructure, the absence of basic social services, and the very weak presence of defense and security forces. This creates a conducive environment for the proliferation of armed groups that are regularly involved in violence against local populations. The locality of Bakouma, which hosts the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mbomou, has also been the target of several armed group attacks, leading to the suspension of humanitarian activities. Humanitarian needs in Mbomou had already increased by 4 per cent, with nearly 170,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.

The healthcare system is suffering

Since the beginning of this year, clashes between national forces and armed groups have escalated, directly impacting the living conditions of the residents.

On several occasions, armed elements have occupied the Nzacko medical center, severely disrupting essential health services for vulnerable populations. In April, the security situation in Bakouma and its surroundings significantly deteriorated following repeated incidents. Civilians, including healthcare workers, have been deliberately targeted and killed, further compromising humanitarian access along the Bangassou-Bakouma axis, depriving over 4,400 residents of medical care. An ambulance was hijacked while transporting a patient to Bangassou. The presence of armed groups near Bakouma creates panic among the population and prevents significant humanitarian presence in the region, due to frequent security incidents such as robberies and ambushes. Humanitarian organizations have no choice but to withdraw from the area or conduct pendulum movements.

The secondary hospital in Bakouma, the only healthcare facility in the locality, faces significant challenges in meeting the growing medical needs from victims of violence. A humanitarian organization delivered some first aid kits to the hospital, but resources remain limited in the face of overwhelming needs.

Disastrous consequences

One of the most severe repercussions of insecurity is the disruption of essential health services, particularly for 3,000 people targeted by humanitarian assistance in Bakouma. This year, in the Prefecture of Mbomou, humanitarian actors plan to provide health assistance to over 27,000 of the most vulnerable individuals. Armed clashes often lead to the temporary closure of health centers and hospitals, depriving local communities of vital medical care. Medical teams are forced to suspend their activities, sometimes fleeing conflict zones for their own safety, leaving behind desperate and vulnerable populations.

Approximately 4,000 people displaced by recent incursions of armed groups have not received required humanitarian assistance due to access issues along the Bangassou-Bakouma axis. Vaccination campaigns and other humanitarian services have been suspended, further exposing people to health risks.

According to the Population Movement Commission report, as of 31 March, 2024, the Prefecture of Mbomou hosted nearly 33,700 IDPs, with 800 seeking refuge in dedicated sites. Urgent measures are needed to address this escalating humanitarian crisis.

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