Linking Protection & Livelihoods Applying a Protection Lens in Bangui 20 July – 25 August 2013 Funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG ECHO) – The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department funds relief operations for victims of natural disasters and conflicts outside the European Union. Aid is channelled impartially, straight to victims, regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation.” Cathy Huser (Protection Research Consultant) With Angelique Umugwaneza (Protection Research Assistant) Contracted by: Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Linking Protection & Livelihoods in Bangui 04.09.2013 Acronyms Acted Agence d'Aide à la Coopération Technique et au Développement CAR Central AfricanRepublic CdQ Chef de Quartier CdG Chef de Groupe DRC DanishRefugee Council ECHO EuropeanCommunityHumanitarian Office FACA Forces Armées Centrafricaines Fr CFA Franc de la Communauté Financière africaine FOMAC Force Multinationale d'Afrique Centrale IDPs InternallyDisplacedPersons NGO Non-Governmental Organisation DRC is grateful for the interest demonstrated by the DG ECHO for protection and social cohesion issues. This research would not have been possible without this institution and without ECHO’s financial support. 1 Linking Protection & Livelihoods in Bangui 04.09.2013 Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Summary of Research Demographics & Geography ............................................................................................. 5 Objectives of this Report ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Summary of Popular Perceptions of the Protection Context .................................................................................... 6 Political History ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Who Perpetrates Armed Violence? ...................................................................................................................... 7 Perpetrated Violence ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Failure of Protective Institutions .......................................................................................................................... 9 2. PERCEPTIONS of THREAT ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Geographic Mapping of Violence ............................................................................................................................ 10 Séléka Bases ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Random gunfire & stray bullets .............................................................................................................................. 11 Other Exactions ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 “Indicateurs” ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 Looting..................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Night-time Looting .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Barriers & “Taxes” ................................................................................................................................................... 13 Kidnapping for Ransom, Arbitrary Arrests, Detention, Disappearances & Fines .................................................... 14 Sexual Violence ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 3. FRACTURING COMMUNITIES .............................................................................................................................. 15 Non-Distinction ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 Sentiments of Revenge ........................................................................................................................................... 17 4. AUTO-PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................................. 19 Chef de Quartier ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 Chef de Quartier as Protectors? ......................................................................................................................... 19 Negotiations ........................................................................................................................................................ 20 Confrontation .......................................................................................................................................................... 20 Casserole ............................................................................................................................................................. 21 Manifestation ...................................................................................................................................................... 21 Throwing Rocks ................................................................................................................................................... 21 2 Linking Protection & Livelihoods in Bangui 04.09.2013 Violent Confrontation ......................................................................................................................................... 21 Avoidance ................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Maintaining Calm ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Reduced Movements .......................................................................................................................................... 22 Flight & Displacement ......................................................................................................................................... 23 5. PERCEPTIONS OF VULNERABILITY ....................................................................................................................... 24 Who is most Vulnerable? ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Targeting of Men ................................................................................................................................................ 24 Youth ................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Women & Economic Adaptation ........................................................................................................................ 25 Children ............................................................................................................................................................... 25 Civil Documents ....................................................................................................................................................... 26 6. IMPACT OF CRISIS - ON LIVES & LIVELIHOODS ................................................................................................... 27 Education, Youth, & Children .................................................................................................................................. 27 Trauma & Fear ......................................................................................................................................................... 27 Impact on Livelihoods ............................................................................................................................................. 28 Social Attitudes & Practices..................................................................................................................................... 29 Who Helps Whom? ............................................................................................................................................. 30 7. The FUTURE – Popular Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 30 Defining Peace