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IOM Seeks $56.5m for CAR and Neighbours, Steps up Efforts to Reduce Conflict
GENEVA – With the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) in a downward spiral, IOM is today appealing for USD 56.5 million to bring life-saving assistance to the country and region.
The scope of IOM’s appeal has been broadened from CAR to Chad and Cameroon, which are carrying a heavy burden of an influx of migrants and returnees fleeing this terrible conflict.
In addition, IOM wants to reinforce transition and recovery efforts, which are beginning to show promise. IOM’s engagement with affected communities tells a story of hope amid the chaos.
“Security is deteriorating,” says IOM CAR Chief of Mission Giuseppe Loprete. “Attacks against the Muslim population in Bangui and outside are continuing and road movements are not safe for anyone, including aid workers. Muslim colleagues are particularly at risk, due to the numerous check points set by anti-Balaka armed groups.”
“The CAR is facing a humanitarian, social, and economic crisis which is affecting the region at large. The outbreak of fighting between ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka forces in the beginning of September 2013 in the CAR and the continued violence has resulted in widespread displacement within and beyond the country’s borders. The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable countrywide. As of 19 March 2014, there were approximately 601,000 IDPs in the CAR, with 177,000 IDPs displaced in Bangui. Hundreds of thousands have also fled the country to return to their countries of origin, or have become refugees.”
IOM’s support of the mixed religious neighbourhood in the 3rd Arrondissement includes a successful street cleaning project. The scheme has supported 100 local youths from both sides of the divide to work side by side to clear away over 100 truckloads of garbage.
Such activities give ravaged communities renewed hope of working together for a better future. The project is so successful that surrounding neighbourhoods have asked for the project to be replicated.
In the midst of a dangerous information vacuum, where rumours quickly lead to cycles of violence, IOM’s community facilitators are constantly engaged in a two-way communication exchange with the affected population. They give a voice to the voiceless and pass messages of hope.
Next week IOM will extend its operations to Boda, which has suffered from inter-sectorial violence. There will be a distribution of core relief items to both communities and meetings with community leaders.
IOM’s “Intentions Survey” reveals that a majority of the population of CAR are people of good will, who want to return home, but fear extremism.
To date, IOM has supported the evacuation and return to their home country of over 100,000 stranded and vulnerable migrants, including close to 10,000 assisted with direct international transport assistance. Returns have been organized from both CAR and neighbouring Cameroon, mainly to Chad.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have disclosed details of their recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the engagement focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification came amid speculation surrounding the meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after leaders of several opposition parties attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the president earlier in the week.
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Speaking during a gathering hosted in Abuja by the SDP’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the meeting with Tinubu followed an official invitation from the Presidency and lasted about an hour.
According to Gombe, the discussion centred on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws and restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for party leaders to remind the president of the importance of conducting transparent, free, and credible elections.
Gombe noted that democracy can only thrive when governments listen to the concerns of citizens and ensure electoral processes that guarantee fairness and accountability.
The SDP chairman also expressed concern over growing voter apathy, pointing to the low turnout recorded in the recent Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council election witnessed only about seven per cent voter turnout, which he described as a clear sign that many Nigerians are losing confidence in the electoral system.
Gombe urged the government and members of the National Assembly to take urgent steps to review electoral laws and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said political parties used the meeting to raise concerns about aspects of proposed electoral reforms, particularly issues related to indirect primaries and the mandatory electronic transmission of results.
Dantalle explained that the parties appealed to the president to use his influence to encourage legislative review where necessary, noting that reforms should strengthen, rather than complicate, the democratic process.
He expressed optimism that Tinubu would consider the concerns raised and support necessary amendments that would improve the electoral system.
The IPAC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines as preparations for the next election cycle begin.
Earlier in his remarks, Adebayo cautioned political actors against turning the 2027 general elections into a do-or-die contest, stressing that the primary goal of democracy should be the progress and stability of Nigeria rather than personal political victories.
He urged leaders across political parties to encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.
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