Central African Republic: UN humanitarian coordinator ‘outraged’ at attacks on aid vehicles
Displaced people shelter on the grounds of a church in Bossangoa. Until recently, religious institutions were considered safe havens for people fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic. Photo: UNHCR/B. Heger
Displaced people shelter on the grounds of a church in Bossangoa. Until recently, religious institutions were considered safe havens for people fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic. Photo: UNHCR/B. Heger
20 June 2016 – The interim United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic (CAR), Dr. Michel Yao strongly condemned an armed attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) convoy transporting medicines and fuel from the capital, Bangui, to the south-eastern city of Bangassou on 17 June.
According to a statement issued by the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Coordinator (OCHA) in the Central African Republic, the head of the convoy was killed.
Dr. Yao underscored the highly precarious nature of relief work in the country and noted that the humanitarian workers provide life-saving assistance to alleviate the suffering of people affected by the crisis.
Moreover, such events hinder aid delivery to those in urgent need, and prove the crucial need to ensure the protection of civilians and to respect and protect humanitarian workers in compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
On 18 May, a driver employed by MSF was killed in another attack near Bossangoa, located in the north-west of the country.
Dr. Yao expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, and called for an investigation into the attacks and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Dr. Yao added that the humanitarian community in the country remains fully committed to deliver vital assistance to all those in need.
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