Influx Of Refugees From Central African Republic To Chad Rises

Following recent military operations in the Central African Republic's (CAR) town of Kaga Bandoro, 11,923 people have crossed the border and sought refuge in southern Chad, according to a report released on Wednesday.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said its partners have registered 7,212 Chadian returnees and 4,325 refugees in Sido, Moyen-Chari province of the Central African country, as more people continue to flee insecurity in neighboring CAR.

It said an assessment carried out by humanitarian partners between May 3 and 6 indicated significant needs in terms of food, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, nutrition, protection, and education.

"Lack of resources and the gradual withdrawal of humanitarian actors from the area are constraining relief response," OCHA added.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Chadian authorities have kept the country's border open and allowed access to asylum to thousands of refugees who have been fleeing since December 2020.

Last month, the UN Refugee Agency said it is working with the government and partners to relocate thousands of refugees to safer and better-equipped sites further from the border.

The CAR is one of the world's poorest countries and has been facing one of the 10 most under-reported humanitarian crises for five years in a row.

It has been troubled by unrest for years, but since May 2017, fresh and fierce clashes between armed groups have wrought increasing suffering, deaths, and destruction of property.

Violence and insecurity following the December 2020 general election have also forced tens of thousands more to flee, according to the UNHCR. -