United Nations Radio

Banditry on the roads and re-displacement of people are a growing problem in the Central African Republic according to UNICEF.

The UN Children's Agency says there has been a surge of violence, ahead of peace talks between the government and rebel groups scheduled next month. A recent attack on a refugee camp in the east of country and a rebel ambush on 13 government soldiers have caused instability, forcing people from their homes into the bush. Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF's representative in the country, says while the government has restrained most of its forces, bandits are roaming freely.

"A year ago, the major challenge was the Presidential guard. This is no longer a challenge. Now it's armed gangs, some of them coming regionally, using the security vacuum in Central Africa as an opportunity to enrich themselves. And these are the major causes of instability."

UNICEF is working to demobilize children recruited by the rebel groups and local "Self-Defence Militias" that have come together to protect themselves against banditry. The agency has managed to free about a hundred children, but believes that there are up to five hundred more in the country.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

(duration: 1'16")