On 1 February 2014, the newly elected President of the Transition, Ms. Catherine Samba-Panza visited three IDP sites together with the humanitarian community (IOM, OCHA, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNHCR, and WFP). The sites visited included the Boy Rabe Monastery in the 4th arrondissement of Bangui, the site of the Archdiocese of St. Paul in the 7th arrondissement and the Central Mosque located in the 3rd arrondissement. This visit enabled the President of the Transition to meet with the displaced and understand the challenges on the ground. During her speech, the president also invited the IDPs to return to their homes and thanked the various humanitarian agencies working to alleviate suffering, including UNHCR. During the visit of the Central Mosque, the President addressed the IDPs in Arabic and spoke of reconciliation and hope. UNHCR was present throughout the visit of the President. UNHCR had met with the President on the 31 January to discuss the visit.

By Reporting Officer, Hugo Reichenberger, reichenb@unhcr.org