Central African Republic: Congolese civilians arrive in Bangui

The deteriorating situation in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has prompted several thousand people to flee their homes and cross the river Oubangui. On the other bank, in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, some of them have found shelter with relatives and about 1,300 others have been received in open-air centres.

With the help of the ICRC, the Central African Red Cross Society, which has mobilized 40 volunteers, has begun to provide these people with food and material assistance. It is also setting up kitchens where meals of rice and beans will be prepared and distributed directly to the refugees. Four wounded people, including one child, have been hospitalized in the capital.

The ICRC has been working on a permanent basis in Bangui since 1997. It is following the situation closely with a view to taking further action if necessary.