Central African Republic: 'Huge risk' of major human tragedy as peacekeepers absent in some areas
Amnesty's senior crisis adviser Donatella Rovera said:
“There is a huge risk of a major human tragedy because of the complete absence of any peacekeeping force. The situation in this part of the Central African Republic is very volatile and the international peacekeeping effort is vital to protect the thousands of civilians from both communities.“More deaths are very likely but this could be prevented by even a small presence of international peacekeepers. In nearby towns with similar tensions, the presence of international forces is undoubtedly making a difference. The same is needed in Baoro and Bossemptele.
“Peacekeepers were sent to the CAR with a clear mandate: to protect civilian lives. They must not fail it.”
A lack of transport and any basic facilities or humanitarian aid means that civilians displaced by the conflict are stranded in the area, unable to flee to safety and without any support in dire humanitarian conditions.