Since December 2020, the security and humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly in the Central African Republic (CAR), as clashes escalated between a newly formed coalition of armed groups and government forces supported by UN and foreign troops, linked to the electoral process.
The joint presidential and legislative elections took place on 27 December 2020 amid renewed violence in large parts of the country still controlled by armed groups. After numerous offensives across the country, fighting also took place on the outskirts of the capital, Bangui, on 13 January 2021. Since mid-December 2020, over 250 war-wounded have been treated by MSF teams in the capital and in the provinces.
On 18 January 2021, the Constitutional Court confirmed re-election of Faustin Ange Touadera as CAR president. The situation remains particularly tense and unpredictable. On 21 January 2021, the government announced a 15-day state of emergency across the national territory.
In a country already hard-hit by eight years of civil war and where people face in a chronic health crisis, the current insecurity is further exacerbating their vulnerability.
France Beldo, 31, was wounded on 13 January 2021 during the attack on the outskirts of Bangui. While at home in Damala neighbourhood, close to the fighting, a stray bullet hit her hand, chest and shoulder, without damaging an important organ. She was brought to MSF’SICA Hospital for surgical care and other medical services to accompany her healing process like physiotherapy. Discharged from hospital on 25 January 2021, she comes back regularly for outpatient consultations, dressing care and physiotherapy sessions. She shares her daily life and her concerns about the persistent violence in the country.
MSF teams continue to provide vital medical care in Bangui, Bambari, Bria, Bangassou, Batangafo, Bossangoa, Boguila, Carnot, Kabo, Paoua et Zemio.