Humanitarian aid for internally displaced people in Bozoum
Deteriorating security conditions at the end of February 2025
Since last week, security conditions in the Bozoum area have deteriorated. A fatal attack by armed 3Rs on a trader between the villages of Kpare and Bofforo on the road to Bouar has caused discontent among local residents. Outraged youths from Bofforo went into the bush and killed two people from the nomadic Mbororo ethnic group. On Sunday, the 3Rs went to Hay village on the Bocaranga axis and killed at least 2 more people.
A large number of women and children left the villages and took refuge in the villages of Sambay, Ndonga and in Bozoum town. People also fled Kounde village for fear of reprisals. On Sunday evening 23 February around 30 women and children came to the parish of Bozoum to sleep. On Monday there were 70 and by Tuesday evening there were 514. On 28 Februay they have been already 1648! By mid-March, there were already 4,500! More are arriving every day.
Some of the people taking refuge in the playground of the Mission of the Barefoot Carmelites (end of February 2025)
Our partners’ response to the situation of internally displaced people
Our partners, the barefoot Carmelites of the parish of Bozoum, are receiving IDPs and distributing food aid. Some shopkeepers and local government members have provided free bags of cassava, soap and other foodstuffs before local NGOs respond.
Our partners have asked us to help them cover the most necessary costs of hosting these IDPs, especially food and basic hygiene items. Some of the displaced are in need of urgent medical care, especially pregnant women about to give birth and those injured during their flight, who will be treated at an adjacent clinic.
Meanwhile, in mid-March, food aid from local humanitarian organizations arrived on the scene. This only covers food and hygiene items, but not medical care.
Eugenie (right) lost her husband. The rebels killed him next to her while working in the fields. She now takes care of 7 children on her own.
Be part of those who care! Join us.
This project has been supported by SIRIRI with 3,000 euros from the reserves. This amount was only enough for first aid on the first days on and to cover medical expenses.
Help us to help! Send any amount to our transparent account 666646/5500, with the note “help Bozoum“.
Thank you very much in advance!
P. Marco Poggi, (right) with the IDPs (end February 2025)