Highlights
On 11 April, newly elected Central African President Faustin Archange Touadera signed a decree forming the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Simplice Mathieu Sarandji.
There have been peaceful localized protests in response, and grievances have been expressed by Ex-Seleka factions.The Population Movement Commission (CMP) set the total number of IDPs at 420,231 as of the end of March 2016 as compared to 421,283 the previous month, or a decrease of 1,052 people (0.24%), a reduction mainly due to return movements observed in specific IDP sites located in the interior (Batangafo,
Kabo and Bambari).In the first quarter of 2016, the Lord’s Resistance Army was responsible for 252 civilian abductions, the highest number perpetrated by the LRA in a single quarter since 2010.
UNICEF provided support to eight national NGOs under Education in Emergencies programming to allow over 29,618 children (49% girls) in 32 IDP sites in areas affected by ongoing conflict to gain access to temporary learning spaces and psychosocial support.
During the reporting period, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) began investigating allegations of SEA reported in Dekoa in March 2016, with some 19 victims/survivors interviewed thus far.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
On 11 April, newly elected Central African President Faustin Archange Touadera signed a decree forming the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Simplice Mathieu Sarandji. A few localized peaceful protests have occurred in towns and villages around the country. Grievances have been also expressed by Ex-Seleka military factions about the newly established government.
The Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) until 31 July, stating that the situation in the country constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The Council also requested that the Secretary-General conduct a strategic review of MINUSCA to ensure proper configuration and adaptation of its future mandate to a post-transition stabilization environment.
As of the end of March, the Population Movement Commission (CMP) set the total number of IDPs at 420,231 as compared to 421,283 the previous month reflecting a continuing decrease. This reduction is primarily due to continued return movements observed in specific IDP sites located in Batangafo, Kabo, Bambari, in the interior of CAR.
Spontaneous return movements also have been recorded in the northern and western part of CAR at the border with Chad and Cameroon. Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) multi-sectorial assessments conducted in these areas have identified the return of several hundred households. Humanitarian actors have highlighted the protection issues that may arise in the future, especially in the western part of CAR, where the homes and properties of refugees have been occupied and exploited by the inhabitants who remained behind.
Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) groups in eastern CAR continue to be very active. In the first quarter of 2016, LRA was responsible for 252 civilian abductions, the highest number perpetrated by the LRA in a single quarter since 2010. Most of these abductions (nearly 200) were short term abductions with abductees either escaping or released within days. During the reporting period, a MINUSCA peacekeeper was shot and killed by a civilian in Agoumar village while keeping watch of an injured LRA element in the local hospital who was waiting to be transferred to Obo.