afrol News, 29 August - The two-year violence in the northern region of the Central African Republic (CAR) has forced tens of thousands of people to vacate their homes.

According to an estimate by humanitarian and development partners in the Central African Republic, at least 291,000 civilians were forced to leave their homes in desperation.

Over 200,000 have been internally displaced [living in appalling conditions in the forest] while 79,000 have fled to Chad, Cameroon and Sudan.

This followed a report by the United Nations Security Council in June, expressing concern about the gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by armed groups and the country's armed forces.

Despite the mounting international condemnations and concerns, the country’s northern region, especially the north-west, continues to be under attacks by armed gangs, rebel groups and government forces.

Civilians, who have been accused of supporting either sides, have become victims of armed brutality.

Violence has taken its tolls on CAR’s war zone regions where it is estimated that 450 children succumb malnutrition. Besides, women and girls have become regular victims of rape.

With more than 70% of its population reeling with poverty and high illiteracy rate, CAR government is faced with the challenge of providing food for thousands of its citizens, especially those in the northern region, as they battle acute food shortage.

In the past, Central African Republic has become the scene of intense fighting between soldiers loyal to the state and the rebels.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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