The operation, which was carried out between 27 February and 1 March with the help of volunteers from the Central African Red Cross Society, “provided people living in utter destitution with basic necessities,” according to Jean-Nicolas Marti, the ICRC’s head of mission in Bangui. The beneficiaries received mosquito nets, blankets, tarpaulins, sleeping mats, cooking utensils, buckets and soap.

In addition, the ICRC has airlifted 86 tonnes of supplies to benefit people displaced from their homes owing to armed clashes in the north of the country.

Since April 2006 the ICRC has boosted its presence in the country by opening an office in Paoua, near the border with Chad, and in Kaga-Bandoro, 250 km north of Bangui. Between July and November 2006, 50,000 displaced people in the Markounda, Batangafo and Paoua areas received assistance enabling them to meet their needs in terms of shelter and hygiene.

The ICRC’s delegation in the Central African Republic currently has 15 expatriate and 60 locally recruited staff. It carries out activities intended to protect and assist conflict victims in the country.