Central African Republic: Drug consumption and its consequences worry Rafai

In Selim village, 35 km from Mbomulafai, drug use is rampant. Minors, young people and some adults consume it for various reasons. However, local authorities say it poses a health risk and hinders local development.

According to local authorities, many residents in the region are addicted to taking narcotics such as tramadol, hashish and other drugs in the form of medicines. According to consumers, thanks to these narcotics, they can efficiently perform daily tasks, especially in the fields and mining sites. This worries prominent people in the village of Selim, who fear harmful consequences for the community.

“Many young people do not want to work. When they use these drugs, they become hardened and steal personal property. Instead of carrying out activities that promote local development, these young people spend their time stealing from people who go to the fields. In fact, theft is getting worse in Selim.” Célestin Ikabino, the leader of the Selim team, testified.

For Dr Cyril Mbolihoudo, the attending physician at Rafai Level II Hospital, people who engage in the practice face health risks.

“These drugs are used to relieve pain but misuse can be detrimental to health. The body breaks down, which reduces their life expectancy, and if the brain is affected, this can lead to mental disorders. He pointed out.

Faced with this behavior, local residents no longer hide their concerns and want to launch awareness campaigns to discourage users of these drugs.

“Sometimes, young people take drugs without eating and this affects them. After taking it, a person will have convulsions like an epileptic patient. Therefore, we call for organizing awareness campaigns to make these young people give up this practice. said Léopold Kotto, a Selim resident.

The porous border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo has led many Selim residents to condemn the lack of repression against drug traffickers, sellers and consumers; they believe that it is this “carelessness” that has led to the normalization of the phenomenon.

– Also read: Central African Republic: Drug consumption network discovered in Bangui Km5