Bulletin 164 01/03/10 – 15/03/11 | Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team | CAR
www.hdptcar.net
Newsletter 2011 fairs in Bouar and Bozoum Bouar Fair: Under the theme "the Future of Farmers, 01 – 15 March 2011 the Future of the Central African", the second edition of the agricultural fair organized by Mercy Corps and Caritas took place in Bouar, Nana-Mambere Highlights Prefecture (West) from 19 to 20 February. Some 104 agricultural groups and women’s associations - Inaugural swearing-in ceremony of President participated in this fair and obtained a profit of almost François Bozizé 19 million FCFA. Sales from a similar fair in 2010 - Refugees, Asylum Seekers and IDPs in CAR amounted to 15 million FCFA. Groups and associations managed by Mercy Corps also provided - Internews activities in CAR information on their activities. During this fair, a Food Bank set up by Caritas in partnership with the Background and security Association Zyango Be-Africa, was inaugurated. Various groups exhibited and sold products such as Inaugural swearing-in ceremony of the President millet, maize, sesame seeds, peanuts, coffee and On 15 March Francois Bozizé was sworn-in as rice. A separate section was also reserved for cattle, President of the Central African Republic for a second goat, chicken and guinea fowl breeders. Prizes were mandate of 5 years, by the Constitutional Court. awarded to 28 groups based on three main criteria: Francois Bozizé pledged to respect the Constitution exhibition, economic value and variety of products of CAR and to ensure the well being of Central exhibited. Prizes included two cassava mills donated Africans. He also promised to fight against impunity, by the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministries of corruption and poverty through the implementation of Agriculture and Communication were also present at programmes by qualified officials. Ensuring security the fair. for Central Africans is a priority for the newly elected President. Bozizé won the 23 January presidential elections with a 64.37% votes. Information updates B. Lynn Pascoe on mission in Bangui
The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe arrived in Bangui on 02 March. He met with President François Bozizé and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After discussions with the Head of State, Mr. Pascoe stated that: "I was in CAR two years ago, the President and I discussed Exhibition of products by groups. Photo: P. Benjanino- Caritas several topics, past and current events, including the elections.” Regarding LRA presence in the country This fair was funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates and UN efforts to address this issue, Mr. Pascoe said Foundation and the European Union. This year, that was one of the main reasons for his regional visit. representatives of the Federation des Maraichers de la Nana-Mambere (FMNM) participated in planning Mr. Pascoe also met with the Nigerian ambassador, the fair. Mercy Corps and Caritas will continue to Representatives of the African Union, European collaborate with the federation and other beneficiary Union and UN agencies. The UN Under-Secretary groups in the management of future fairs. General for Political Affairs reiterated UN commitment to support CAR in ensuring a peaceful post-election Contact John Hanson, [email protected] period while also pledging to assist in: the peace for more information. consolidation process, establishment of the rule of Bozoum Fair: The NGO Solidarités International, in law and development. He also urged the international partnership with Caritas Centrafrique, is currently community to support these initiatives. implementing a project entitled "Multisectoral project Contact, Aissatou Toure, [email protected] for more to improve the living conditions of vulnerable information. populations in the sub prefecture of Bozoum", funded by Europe Aid. The specific objective of the project is
the sustainable reduction of vulnerability to food
Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team | Central African Republic | www.hdptcar.net 1 Bulletin 164 01/03/10 – 15/03/11 | Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team | CAR
www.hdptcar.net insecurity and the lack of access to drinking water for partner, the Association for Journalists on Human the inhabitants of Bozoum, Ouham-Pende prefecture Rights. This network will function as a communication (North West). Within the framework of this project, the and information intermediary between local 7th Agricultural Fair was held in Bozoum from 5 to 6 populations and humanitarian partners. A total of 12 February. Solidarités International has supported this radio stations are operational in the country; Bangui event for the fourth consecutive year now. The fair (Centre), Bambari (South East), Boali (South West), offered the opportunity for groups to share their Berberati (South West), Bouar (West), Bossangoa technical knowledge, agricultural products, and also (North-West), M'Baïki (South West), Nola (South to engage in direct marketing of their agricultural West), Obo (South East) and Paoua (North West). products with local merchants. This year the fair Internews has set up a coordination centre in Bangui brought together 150 groups, representatives of local that collects and compiles daily information received and national authorities (Ministry of Agriculture and from the various community radio stations. This Trade) and NGOs such as the Danish Refugee compilation is shared with humanitarian partners in Council (DRC), Premiere Urgence and the CAR. International Rescue Committee (IRC). Contact Jeroen Corduwener This year an animal rearing sector was included with [email protected] for more information. great success. The presence of the Head of State on 6 February was memorable for farmers who Refugees, Asylum seekers and IDPs in CAR participated in the fair. Transactions this year were Update on refugees and asylum seekers in CAR (by estimated at 29,500,000, CFA francs, representing an location and country of origin). increase of 7,500,000 CFA francs compared to the last edition in 2010.
Internally displaced persons:
Parade of groups of farmers. Photo : Solidarités Contact Bertrand Mayras, rca.cdm@solidarities- rca.org for more information.
Internews activities in CAR An interview conducted by the United Nations High Internews is an American organization that works in Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), on 46 out of 93 over 50 countries worldwide in capacity building for returnee families from Cameroon and living in Nana- local media. In 2010 Internews CAR, trained 30 radio Barya, (North West) revealed that among other journalists of 11 community radios nationwide and issues; most have no access to safe drinking water also the board of Radio Centrafrique. The six months while 80% consume 1 meal per day. Discussions are training provided by Internews focused on journalism being held on humanitarian assistance to these (ethics, deontology and journalistic skills for returnees. interviews, stories, research, features), production, Contact Djerassem Mbaiorem, [email protected] animation and managing. The main target was for the for more information. 30 participants to produce in total over 60 radio productions on human rights and humanitarian For more information or for contributions to this newsletter, issues. please contact: UN OCHA Bangui, RCA Laura Fultang | [email protected] | +236 70 18 80 64 Internews used the trainings to create a network of Gisèle Willybiro- Maïdou | [email protected] | +236 70 18 80 61 radio stations nationwide in collaboration with its local
Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team | Central African Republic | www.hdptcar.net 2