GENEVA - The principle of ensuring safe access to medical treatment must be upheld by all – in particular by sparing the lives and allowing the treatment of wounded individuals from the opposing camp. All actors must respect and ensure respect for the right of the sick and wounded to receive medical treatment and ensure that medical facilities, vehicles and personnel are protected.

“There are worrying signs that this principle is not being respected. We need to see action being taken now to stop more violations from happening,” said Bruce Biber, the ICRC’s head of delegation in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Nearly 100,000 people fled the fighting that broke out between government and armed groups as people took to the polls in mid-December 2020. Despite the instability, violence and murky political situation, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is continuing to negotiate with all weapon bearers to access all areas of the country affected by the fighting in order to treat the wounded and bring assistance to thousands of families whose lives have once again been turned upside down by violence.

Wounded people evacuated and dead bodies recovered

Since 15 December, 46 wounded people have been transported to hospitals in Bangui and Bambari. “The most important thing at the moment is to ensure that the most seriously wounded are taken to health centres where they can receive treatment,” said Aly Ouattara, an ICRC medical coordinator.

ICRC staff have been quick to evacuate people wounded in the fighting, often in very dangerous conditions and in concert with volunteers from the Central African Red Cross Society. “We are one of the only organizations in the world that can carry out this vital work by negotiating access to wherever the wounded are,” said Bruce Biber. Several hospitals and health centres in Bangui and other areas hit by the violence have received medical supplies and equipment.

Thanks to the equipment and the logistical support provided by the ICRC, local Red Cross volunteers have managed to recover nearly 30 bodies from where clashes took place in Bangui on 13 January. “Recovering dead bodies can have a psychological impact,but helping people to treat dead bodies with dignity is a humanitarian imperative,” said Mr Biber.

Fears people do not have enough food

Because of the lack of security, the routes that link the Central African Republic to Cameroon have been cut off for several weeks. As a result, the prices of certain foodstuffs have risen in the markets of Bangui and the surrounding area. Humanitarian convoys have been suspended. “We are deeply worried about whether families are getting enough food. Time is not on their side. The situation is only getting worse,” said Mr Biber.

Many families anticipated the fighting and fled beforehand, and are hiding in the bush waiting for the fighting to stop so that they can go back home. Around 100,000 people in the country are displaced, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 84,000 have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

Even before the election crisis, widespread crime and multiple armed groups were already making it harder to establish formal dialogue and reliable security guarantees. Since the election, the security situation has worsened; some areas have been virtually cut off from the outside world for weeks. Despite this, ICRC staff have managed to reach some areas and stay close to the people affected.

“It’s hard to predict how the situation is going to evolve, but we know that people’s needs are likely to increase as time passes,” said Mr Biber. The ICRC is continuing to do all it can to obtain the security guarantees it needs to reach people whose access to health care and essential items has been gravely compromised by the fighting.