CAR: Plight of M'poko camp inhabitants

Life is not easy for inhabitants of the M’poko camp, one of the largest camps for the displaced population in the Central African Republic.

Located near the Bangui airport, the camp houses close to 20.000 people who have fled violence and are yet to return to their homes.

Even though the number of refugees in the camp is reducing, the displaced persons face difficulties mostly related to health degradation and food scarcity.

“ In this camp we have been living on our own since the 5th of December 2013. We have not withnessed any real food distribution. For instance I sell beans to be able to cope,” one of the inhabitants, Florence Sidifa said.

Her plight is shared by several other women in the camp. Many have opened small businesses that keep them going.

“We have produced this furniture that we will deposit in the market towards Misikine where we sell. Many people buy from us,” another said.

With the revenue generated, some displaced at the Mpoko camp do not intend to return home. They say they are concerned about the fragile peace that reigns in their country.

“It is in relation to the security aspect. We cannot leave. We consider that it is better to stay here and see what to do in future. If we are being asked to today I will keep asking where we are going to sleep,” Bertin Botto general coordinator of the camp said.

For now, most of those displaced hope peace will prevail and count on the new government to help them return home.