Some women with their children waiting for the doctor Medical…

Some women with their children waiting for the doctor Medical Center Bangui, Central African Republic.

Return to SOS Children's Village Bangui

After heavy fighting forced them to evacuate in June, the children and co-workers from SOS Children's Village Bangui have been able to return to their home in the capital of the Central African Republic. The extent of the damage to the facilities is considerable, and virtually everything has been stolen. Extensive repair work will take a long time to complete.

Heavy fighting broke out in Bangui at the start of June following an attempted coup. The SOS Children's Village and its supporting facilities were located in the middle of the armed conflict and were adversely affected (please see Hot News of 5 and 19 June 2001). All of the furniture, fixtures and equipment, doors and windows were stolen and vehicles confiscated. The children and co-workers took refuge in the parish of Saint Bernard. Thanks to support received from the government, various NGOs and private individuals, a food shortage was avoided.

The whole SOS Children's Village family in Bangui returned to their home on 18 July after the safety of the children, staff and population had been guaranteed and the most urgent repairs been carried out.

Rebels have taken everything from the SOS Children's Village and surrounding facilities, including the nursery, school and medical centre, which have, in places, been seriously damaged. However, meanwhile, the SOS Medical Centre has been able to reopen and the offices are fit to be used. Thanks to donations and support from SOS Children's Villages, conditions for the village residents are gradually improving and repair work is already well underway.