Central African Republic: 10,000 People Sleep in Batangafo Hospital After Camp Is Looted and Burned

Some 10,000 people are sheltering in the grounds of Batangafo hospital more than 10 days after violence broke out between rival groups in this northern city of Central African Republic (CAR).

With clashes taking place between members of the former Seleka coalition and so called self-defence groups, Batangafo has once again been plunged into chaos, with a wave of killings and lootings. A number of aid organisations were robbed, including MSF, while a large part of the city's camp for displaced people was looted and burned, forcing people to seek shelter elsewhere.

The camp for displaced people, which was established three years ago, needs to be rebuilt as soon as possible, says MSF, and all conditions met to allow people to return to it safely. In the meantime, MSF is providing basic water and sanitation services to people sheltering in the grounds of the hospital, which is supported by MSF.

"The people taking refuge in the hospital, and in other locations around Batangafo, are still unable to rebuild their shelters in the camp from which they were forced to flee," says MSF project coordinator Carlos Francisco.

"As a stopgap, we are strengthening the water supply system in the hospital grounds as well as providing latrines and improving hygiene. But people must be allowed to rebuild their homes as soon as possible and return to the camp in safety."