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They fled conflict in their native Central African Republic and sought refuge in neighbouring Sudan between 2013 and 2014. But the outbreak of war in their country of asylum more than a year ago forced them to return home, despite untenable reintegration conditions.
Our correspondent in Bangassou, Jean Balipio
In the village of Balama, 7 km from Bangassou (southeast of Mbomou prefecture) on the Rafai axis, the living conditions of the Fulani returnees who fled armed violence a few years ago are precarious. Since their return on April 25, they have been lacking drinking water, shelter and food. Despite some help from some well-meaning people in Bangassou, they still do not have access to quality care.
There are 235 people, mostly children, women and elderly people. They are living in precarious conditions in a location designated by the Balama authorities. These people are Central Africans, members of the Fulani community, who sought asylum in Sudan but returned to their country of origin due to the current security crisis in the country of asylum.
“I had a hard time finding food”
“It was difficult to find food, medicine and a bed. Our donkey died on the road. We fled the violence in Bambari and Nzako and that’s when I lost my cow. We were forced to take refuge in Sudan but because of the crisis we decided to return to our country. We walked for 2 months. Here we only received clothes from some residents of Tonkin, Bangassou,”said Alidou Balo, one of the returnees.
Exposure to Disease
The former refugees sleep in huts they built with straw. The makeshift shelter undoubtedly exposes them to the effects of bad weather and disease, and they have no decent toilets.
“I was born and raised in Bambari. During the armed conflict, I left my homeland and lived first in Bria and then in Nzako. During these trips, I lost all my cattle. Here, when it rains, we can’t sleep well. We don’t have toilets” The father, Ali Osman, testified.
The local authorities in Balama recognized the difficult living conditions of these returnees and pleaded with the Government and non-governmental organizations for assistance.
“When they arrived, the population increased. We are having a hard time finding food now. I pleaded with the government and humanitarian NGOs to come quickly to aid these people. One day, the day after it rained, I went to see them, but it was shocking because they had their wet clothes spread out.” The village chief, Désiré Gbona, reports.
According to testimonies collected from these returnees, other Central Africans still from Sudan are on their way to join them, seeking help in starting income-generating activities to facilitate their reintegration into society.
– Also read: Central African Republic: Influx of Sudanese refugees worries Rafai residents
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