Friday, April 24, 2009

24-04-2009 Oubangui river


After a hair raising roller coaster flight trying to avoid a huge thunderstorm we ended up flying at an altitude of 200m, under the storm, following the Oubangui river back to the capital Bangui of the Central African Republic. So I didn't make it to Birao today. Hopefully tomorrow. I only took out my camera after we left the storm, so a peaceful view of a village from low altitude.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

23-04-2009 Bangui

Malnutrition is a serious problem in the Central African Republic. The infant mortality rate at 176 per 1000 is amongst the highest in the world.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Monday, April 20, 2009

19-04-2009 Paoua


Part 2 in the series 'Yummy sources of protein': "Les Grillots" Fried in some oil they're said to be delicious.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

19-04-2009 The future of Paoua


Members of a self defense group in Paoua.
Due to the extreme shortage of police in the Central African Republic, neighborhoods organize their own security. These groups of young men patrol the streets; they settle disputes and prevent petty theft. Some groups outside Paoua are known to clash with rebels regularly.

Friday, April 17, 2009

16-04-2009 Paoua


Humanitarian observers in the North west of the Central African Republic that cycle for hours through the bush to contact internally displaced people that have fled the violence.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

12-04-2009 Central African Republic




A group of children catch flying termites that leave their underground home at the start of the rainy season. They eat them directly, or collect them to be used in dinner. It's a precious source of protein in this extremely poor region of Africa.

11-04-2009 Central African Republic


A school building in Patcho in the Centre of the Central African Republic was used by rebels as a headquarters. Now that the rebels have got a firm grip over the area the population has returned, the school is used again. The students have to look at the graffiti, the rebels left, because there's no money to repaint the building.