BANGUI, Central African Republic – Over 40,000 Africans are seeking refuge near the Bangui airport in the Central African Republic due to a sudden out poring of violence in the city. The country has, in fact, endured widespread conflict since the government was overthrown in March 2013.
The violence has only increased within the past two weeks as enemy groups vie for control. The Muslim rebel group Seleka toppled the government earlier this year but found resistance from Christian forces, inciting a serious of counter attacks from each side.
Inhabitants of the region have faced kidnappings, rape, looting and death following the coup. Many believed that militant Christian groups, or Anti-Balaka, as they are called, would bring peace to the country. However, the reality of the situation has led to a region torn apart by warring factions, intent on endless cycles of retaliation.
The last incident, on December 5, 2013, has led to over 600 deaths in the city of Bangui alone while thousands have fled their homes. Camped out at the airport, local refugees have refused to return to their homes, where many faced attacks by militants wielding guns and machetes.
In response, the United Nations has sent nearly 6,000 soldiers from the African Union to help stabilize the region and assist the 1,600 French troops guarding the Bangui airport. Many Central Africans like Abdon Seredangaru chose the area due to its relative degree of safety for their families.
Father of six, Seredangaru describes his own attack by machete wielding assailants. He says they did not speak to him at all and instead, abruptly approached and attacked him. The 25-year-old suffered multiple cuts on his arms and head.
Stories depicting similar attacks have been shared around the world, making various countries outraged. So far, the Central African Republic nation has received humanitarian aid from Britain, Poland, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Canada. However, an increase in aid has been suggested by several nonprofit organizations. In response, the United States has pledged $100 million to assist the African and French troops working to stabilize the region.
According to UNICEF, nearly 2.3 million children have been affected by the ongoing violence. As the conflict continues to follow religious lines, children have also been targeted by assailants from both sides. An estimated 6,000 have been recruited as child soldiers since the violence began in March.
Furthermore, of the current Central African violence, it has been estimated that as many as 100,000 children have been taken from their homes within the past five months.
– Jasmine D. Smith
Sources: New York Times, Global Post, ABC News
Photo: Huffington Post