In a statement issued in New York, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien said he is “extremely alarmed” by the recent upsurge in violence and by attacks on humanitarian premises.
The capital, Bangui, had been the scene of attacks against civilians, violence between communities and attacks against humanitarian personnel since a young Muslim man was murdered on 26 September. More than 30 people have been killed and over 100 have been wounded in the violence.
O’Brien said that ongoing violence by armed groups is preventing humanitarian organizations from reaching more than 42,000 women, men and children who have fled for their lives in the past few days in Bangui.
“People are living without the most basic necessities because humanitarian NGOs [non-governmental organizations] and UN agencies cannot reach them,” he said.
On Wednesday, the offices of international and national NGOs and an international humanitarian agency were looted. Some humanitarian staff have been forced to relocate for their own safety.
“As in the past, humanitarian organizations are determined to stay and deliver for the people of CAR,” stated O’Brien, who is also UN Emergency Relief Coordinator.
He added that outside Bangui, the situation is also deteriorating, with movements of armed groups spreading panic amongst the population.