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Central African Republic: Tens of thousands afraid to leave the bush
GENEVA – In the Central African Republic, tens of thousands of people who dare not leave the bush because of the lack of security are vulnerable to malaria and diseases caused by consuming unsafe water.
“Even though the authorities of the Central African Republic and the international community are working to boost the presence of security forces in the provinces, tens of thousands of people have been forced by the lack of security to take refuge in the bush, where their living and hygiene conditions are appalling,” said Georgios Georgantas, who heads the ICRC’s delegation in the country. “The authorities have a responsibility to re-establish public order. When law and order is restored, health care and other public services should resume, and living conditions should improve.”
“The current situation is extremely worrying. People who have taken refuge in the bush often have to drink poor-quality or contaminated water,” said Mr Georgantas. “Finding something to eat is also a problem for many. These living conditions make the displaced people, especially young children and pregnant women, extremely vulnerable to disease. In much of the country, however, health care is unavailable.”
To help people finding themselves in this situation in the Kaga Bandoro area, in the central part of the country, the ICRC has opened two mobile clinics. More than 5,000 people, including 390 expectant mothers and almost 1,000 children under five years of age stricken with malaria, have been examined in the past month. “Most of the people who come in for treatment are suffering mainly from malaria, respiratory infections due to cold nights, or diarrhoea caused by drinking unsafe water,” said Dr Bonaventure Bazirutwabo, who is in charge of the ICRC’s health programmes in the country.
The ICRC also has a community-based malaria programme under way that is of assistance to 500 people every week. Malaria is the leading cause of death in the Central African Republic. “In addition to providing people with direct support, in partnership with the Central African Red Cross Society we raise awareness among all armed men of the fact that they must not target medical personnel or facilities,” said Dr Bazirutwabo.
The production of corn, millet, sorghum and cowpeas has been adequate this year. “We remain concerned by the lack of security, which prevents small traders from selling food products, the price of which is plummeting, and to obtain in exchange basic necessities such as sugar, salt and soap, the price of which is soaring,” said Mr Georgantas.
The ICRC has distributed one-month rations of corn, beans, cooking oil and salt to host families in Yaloké and to families dispersed by violence, particularly in the Gaga area some 200 kilometres north-west of Bangui. Around 12,000 people received the food aid in Bossambele, Yaloké, Zawa and Békadili.
Over the past month, together with the Central African Red Cross Society, the ICRC has:
• organized the transfer of 12 war-wounded patients to the community hospital of Bangui and 14 other patients to the hospital in Kaga Bandoro;
• reunited 14 children with their families;
• visited more than 100 people held at the Ngaragba detention centre in Bangui;
• given more than 55,000 kilos of chemicals to the national water board for treating the water used by 400,000 people living in and around Bangui;
• built 64 emergency latrines in Bossangoa, and organized hygiene information sessions attended by more than 37,000 people;
• provided 250,000 litres of water every day in Ndélé for more than 10,000 people through the water board;
• built seven latrines and upgraded six borehole pumps in Bouca;
• attended to the needs of nearly 2,000 people in Obo and Birao, in the east of the country.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
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Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
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“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
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