Sudan conflict displaces over 18,000 people into CAR: OCHA
October 9, 2023 (KHARTOUM/DJAMENA) – An estimated 18,545 individuals have arrived in the Central African Republic (CAR) since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan in mid-April, including 15,476 Sudanese refugees and 4,701 returnees from CAR, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Sunday.
Considering the present trends, UNHCR estimates that arrivals to CAR could reach up to 25,000 forcibly displaced persons by the end of year if the conflict continues.
Already, the ongoing fighting in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has reportedly displaced more than 5,5 million people, including over 1 million individuals to neighbouring countries.
Most of the arrivals, UNHCR says, have left from bordering regions of Sudan and specifically towns like Nyala, Umdafuk and surrounding villages in South Darfur, forced to leave areas severely affected by the war and collapse of law and order.
“The newly arrived population have largely settled in spontaneous sites along the border areas, with fewer managing to be hosted by families or in one of the newly established sites in the prefecture of Vakaga, in northeast CAR,” it stated.
“Amongst the new arrivals,16,066 individuals, including 11,365 refugees and 4,701 returnees have been registered in the Vakaga prefecture, bordering Sudan,”
According to the results of protection monitoring activities conducted by UNHCR and partners, 77% of households consulted upon arrival stated that they have not encountered difficulties in accessing the territory of CAR, while 33% reported some kind of impediment linked to demands for identity documents, imposition of illegal fees and the need to resort to smugglers due to lack of documentation.
As of 28 September, a total of1,825 individuals have been relocated to the new neighborhood called Korsi (70% women and children), UNHCR said in its update.
At least 24.7 million people or half of the Sudanese population now require humanitarian assistance and protection as the conflict, displacement, and disease outbreaks threaten to consume the entire country, the UN said.
(ST)