U.S. Emergency Aid To Central African Republic

U.S. Provides Additional Emergency Assistance to the Central African Republic

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is coordinating a second airlift of emergency relief supplies, valued at nearly $180,000, to the Central African Republic (CAR) for communities affected by the ongoing conflict.

USAID partner, International Rescue Committee, is preparing to distribute the relief commodities, including plastic sheeting and soap to 4,000 displaced families in the most affected areas.

To date an estimated 212,000 people are displaced within northern CAR due to the continuing violence between government and armed opposition forces, widespread banditry and insecurity.

The most affected areas include Ouham, Ouham-Pendé, Gribingui, Haute-Kotto, Vakaga, and Bamingui-Bangoran prefectures. Communities in these areas lack regular access to clean water, food and health care and displaced families require shelter support and household supplies.

On January 31, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires A. James Panos declared a disaster in CAR due to the increasing humanitarian needs in the country and USAID coordinated an airlift of emergency relief supplies including blankets, plastic sheeting and water containers valued at more than $175,000.

Since October 2006, USAID has provided more than $2.8 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for areas affected by the conflict in CAR. Programs include rehabilitation of water sources, food security assessments and the provision of emergency relief supplies.

A USAID monitoring team is currently in CAR to further assess humanitarian conditions and coordinate relief efforts.

ENDS

© Scoop Media