Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Fides Service)- “The alarm is somewhat exaggerated although havy rains have caused serious damage” said local sources in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, with regard to appeals from international aid organisations to send immediate help after weeks of heavy rainfall caused flooding in various parts of the country, including Bangui.
The local branch of the Red Cross said aid received was insufficent for at least 23,000 flood victims, 4,000 now homeless living in makeshift shleters. Japan, France, United States and some United Nations’ agencies promised funds for flood victims in Central Africa.
“After a week of respite, it started raining again” local sources said. “Rain over several weeks affected districts of the capital nearest to the river. The tragedy is that most people live in mud homes quickly washed away by flood water”.
“But the real problem is the extreme poverty of the people. The situation is unbearable and should awaken consciences. It is necessary to overcome a culture of emergency and start real development” the local sources told Fides.
Besides floods the country also suffers because of raids by bandits in regions bordering with Chad and Sudan. Violence has forced at least 15,000 people to flee to Chad. “These well organised gangs of bandits attack carovans of disperate people trying to cross the border and from there to reach Europe. The bandits are well informed of the movement of carovans and know when and where to strike - local sources said - They speak Arabic and dress like Bedouins and probably come from Sudan and Chad”.
Central African Republic is living a turbulent period following two years of civil war 2002-2003. After months of fighting on 15 March 2003, former army chief François Bozize overthrew President Ange-Felix Patasse who went into exile abroad. After the formation of an interim government Bozize was recognised by the international community as President ad interim. Bozize had promised to call free elections within the first six months of 2005. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/9/2005 righe 37 parole 454)
