CAR refugees around Zongo in relatively good condition, says WFP

Refugees of the Central African Republic (CAR) who fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following a failed coup attempt launched in late May of this year are in relatively good condition, a representative of the UN World Food Programme told IRIN on Monday.

"There is no problem in terms of malnutrition, and very few problems in terms of health," the official said.

The refugees, the official said, fled the capital, Bangui, with at least some savings, and have managed to purchase products in local markets. Additionally, there remains a good deal of commercial traffic between Bangui and Zongo, across the Ubangui river, while female refugees or family members who remained in CAR continue to cross the river.

However, the official added, it is highly likely that the refugees, both civilian and military, will not be welcomed back in Bangui in the near future, and that this situation is likely to continue for several months longer. Members of the Yakoma group remain particularly hesitant to return, fearing retribution for being of the same ethnic group as alleged coup leader and former CAR military ruler Andre Kolingba.

In Bangui, a curfew remains in effect, and forces sent by Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi to aid forces loyal to CAR President Ange-Felix Patasse continue to guard the presidential palace.

While the total number of refugees remains uncertain, WFP estimates it at closer to 15,000 than 25,000 people, as previously reported. WFP has established a sub-office in Zongo to ensure better aid to CAR refugees. Food aid has been planned for six months. WFP has already bought 250 mt of maize and 19 mt of palm oil locally. Additional commodities are due to arrive from Kinshasa.

Also in Zongo, UNHCR and NGO partners are moving refugees out of schools and other public buildings into a temporary transit centre. Communal shelters and cooking centres have been set up for them while preparations at a new site, Mole, along with work on the road between the towns, is being completed. UNHCR and partners are also improving the airstrip at Zongo in order to accommodate larger supply aircraft.

International relief NGO MSF-France has distributed weatherproof sheeting to shelter the refugees, and is operating a mobile health clinic that makes regular visits to sites along the Ubangui river.