Placide’s Story, Central African Republic
Placide’s Story, Central African Republic
UNHCR, 20 Jun 2014
URL: http://stories.unhcr.org/placides-story-p2630.html
Placide is one of the more than 6,200 Congolese refugees who voluntarily repatriated to DRC.
Placide was just an adolescent when he arrived as a refugee in the Central African Republic. Five years later, he left as a grown man to go back to his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The family of the 18-year-old originates from Libenge, a border city that in 2009 was plagued by interethnic clashes. It was part of a big refugee wave that crossed the Ubangui River, fleeing violence that started over fishing rights. The refugees settled at the Batalimo camp, in the Lobaye district, Placide went to school, make friends and get assistance there.
“It is the widespread insecurity in the Central African Republic that made me decide to go back. The conflict that had made us flee is now definitely over. I’m really looking forward to return and continue my studies”, Placide told on 9 May 2014.
The following day, the young man joined a group of more than 6,200 refugees that voluntarily repatriated to Congo. The camp where he spent his youth is now practically closed. Its memory, though, is still alive, keeping him company as he starts a new chapter in his life.
Placide was just an adolescent when he arrived as a refugee in the Central African Republic. Five years later, he left as a grown man to go back to his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The family of the 18-year-old originates from Libenge, a border city that in 2009 was plagued by interethnic clashes. It was part of a big refugee wave that crossed the Ubangui River, fleeing violence that started over fishing rights. The refugees settled at the Batalimo camp, in the Lobaye district, Placide went to school, make friends and get assistance there.
“It is the widespread insecurity in the Central African Republic that made me decide to go back. The conflict that had made us flee is now definitely over. I’m really looking forward to return and continue my studies”, Placide told on 9 May 2014.
The following day, the young man joined a group of more than 6,200 refugees that voluntarily repatriated to Congo. The camp where he spent his youth is now practically closed. Its memory, though, is still alive, keeping him company as he starts a new chapter in his life.