More than 16,000 displaced after attack on CAR-Sudan border

More than 16,000 people have been displaced following an attack on the Central African Republic's (CAR) border town of Am-Dafock last month, as authorities warn of a worsening humanitarian situation.

The June 30 attack targeted Am-Dafock in Vakaga prefecture, near the border with Sudan, killing members of the military, security forces and civilians, according to local authorities. An official casualty toll has not been released.

Am-Dafock lies along the CAR-Sudan border, where insecurity has intensified since Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began fighting in April 2023. The strategic area has frequently been targeted by armed groups operating on both sides of the border.

Vakaga prefect Lieutenant Colonel Jude Ngaiyoko said the Central African armed forces, supported by Russian paramilitary allies, were gradually restoring security.

"The defence forces are continuing their patrols in the town and around Am-Dafock to prevent any further attacks," Ngaiyoko told a news conference.

He described the humanitarian situation as "extremely worrying."

Authorities said more than 16,000 displaced people are sheltering near the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) base in Am-Dafock, while more than 2,000 others have fled to the prefectural capital, Birao, about 60 kilometres away.

Three Zambian peacekeepers serving with MINUSCA were wounded during the attack.

Amadou Moctar Diallo, head of MINUSCA in Birao, said the mission had delivered more than three tonnes of humanitarian aid and deployed medical aircraft to evacuate the wounded.

A 2024 United Nations report identified Am-Dafock as a key logistical hub used by the RSF for logistics and recruitment, underscoring the strategic importance of the border area.