Central African Republic – 3 June 2016
Central African Republic special report, and the IMF’s hype
Conflict in Central African Republic has left 2.3 million people needing aid and raised fears of a “gradual disintegration of the state”. Clár Ní Chonghaile met midwives attempting to save lives amid the chaos, teachers giving lessons on peace and reconciliation, and the head of the UN mission pledging to end troop abuses.
The International Monetary Fund has failed to live up to its own hype on social protection, argue Alexander Kentikelenis, Thomas Stubbs and Lawrence King. Their research shows the IMF is more interested in enforcing fiscal austerity than supporting health and welfare programmes.
Sexual health deserves greater attention in times of crisis, says International Planned Parenthood Federation head Tewodros Melesse. He says there are devastating consequences of ignoring the issue, as 60% of preventable maternal deaths take place in fragile settings.
The Guardian
Doctors without Borders Suspends Work in Parts of Central African Republic
Doctors without Borders says it is suspending its work in areas the Central African Republic after gunmen ambushed a convoy and killed one of the aid group’s drivers.
The attack near the border with Chad is one of many recent attacks on the group’s staff members, highlighting the risks they are exposed to while treating patients in many of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.
The ambush happened Wednesday, when armed men stopped a two-car convoy carrying doctors and patients. “The team was forced out of the cars and onto the ground,” the group said in a statement. “They were robbed of personal belongings and medication. In the course of the incident, which lasted for more than 40 minutes, one of the drivers was shot and killed.”
NPR.org