Chaos is a common sight on the streets of Central African Republic’s (CAR) capital Bangui. Murders, rapes and lootings, even in broad daylight, have been occurring regularly.<br /><br />Tens of thousands of Muslims have fled the city over the last few months. Among them, many people involved in trade with neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Chad.<br /><br />The lack of security around the capital due to the violence – combined with the exodus of many traders – has left Bangui with an escalating food crisis.<br /><br />Sylvanus Kossingou, a spice vendor at a Bangui market, said: “We live in a war-like situation, so everything is expensive, everything is blocked. Nothing works.”<br /><br />Across CAR, more than a quarter of the population are in urgent need of food.<br /><br />The United Nations (UN) has reported that nine out of 10 people are eating just once a day.<br /><br />Oxfam warns that the food crisis is likely to get “much, much worse”. The aid organisation believes that unless communities are better protected, there could be a complete breakdown in food supply in Bangui and beyond.<br /><br />African and French peacekeepers have so far been unable to stem the violence.<br /><br />CAR’s President Catherine Samba Panza told reporters in Bangui: “Within a month, I would like to secure the majority of the country and I aim to stick to my word.”<br /><br />“At a certain point, everyone will be responsible for their acts, I am warning troublemakers who continue to sow disorder in the country,” Samba Panza continued.<br /><br />Shortly after the president spoke, however, violence broke out in the crowd outside. A group of soldiers stabbed a man to death, accusing him of being a member of the mainly Muslim militia Seleka.<br /><br />The UN has called on France to consider sending more troops to CAR to try to help secure the country.
