Central African Republic - Yaloké Crisis

In 2015, we were contracted on a fact-finding mission by UNHCR HQ in Geneva to lead a research and multimedia team for 3 weeks at various locations across the Central African Republic (CAR). The story of Yaloke's enclave, around 200 km from capital Bangui, became emblematic of the deepening IDP crisis and the worsening ethnic and religious tensions within the country. Despite UN security resolutions, millions of US Dollars disbursed, blue helmets presence, and international aid implementation partners on the ground, this Muslim community remained enclaved, aggressed, and sickly. More on the Yaloke crisis here. Through visual storytelling and detailed case-level write up, Oualid Khelifi acted as the external mission producer and documentary photographer to provide UNHCR country, regional, and global senior management an independent assessment and first-hand unbiased reporting to support program evaluation, partner' performance, local authorities liaison, and fundraising operations.

Below are a few still photographs by Oualid Khelifi out of dozens, each accompanied with comprehensive captions, which were filed from distinct IDP/refugee sites and across CAR.

Ahmadou Tidjani visits the small cattle herd of 20 surviving cows kept at the vicinity of the UN forces. The Peulhs community in Yaloke had over 8,000 cows, they were either slaughtered or confiscated during their fleeing.

Ahmadou Tidjani visits the small cattle herd of 20 surviving cows kept at the vicinity of the UN forces. The Peulhs community in Yaloke had over 8,000 cows, they were either slaughtered or confiscated during their fleeing.

Having lost most of their cattle to theft, the Peulh community was cornered to herding goats on a very restricted space. While cows in high numbers represent pride and wealth of Peulh people, herding other animals is sign of shame and degradation.

Having lost most of their cattle to theft, the Peulh community was cornered to herding goats on a very restricted space. While cows in high numbers represent pride and wealth of Peulh people, herding other animals is sign of shame and degradation.

Meanwhile, over a hundred Peulhs back in Yaloke still await a resolution for evacuation outside the country or reunification with other family or clan members in other regions of the CAR. They look forward to replacing goats with cows to reestablish

Meanwhile, over a hundred Peulhs back in Yaloke still await a resolution for evacuation outside the country or reunification with other family or clan members in other regions of the CAR. They look forward to replacing goats with cows to reestablish their dignity.

Imam of the enclaved community was himself subject to captivity, violence and abuse before he was freed by a leader of a local militia against cows.

Imam of the enclaved community was himself subject to captivity, violence and abuse before he was freed by a leader of a local militia against cows.

Peulh grandmother Hadja Habsatou narrates her predicament and the horrors of having witnessed the killings of several members of her family and clan.

Peulh grandmother Hadja Habsatou narrates her predicament and the horrors of having witnessed the killings of several members of her family and clan.

Conflict has forced Peulhs in the western region of the Central African Republic to settlement in spontaneous enclaved sites. Having lived all their lives in open spaces allowing privacy, Peulh women in Yaloke now share rooms at the former local gove

Conflict has forced Peulhs in the western region of the Central African Republic to settlement in spontaneous enclaved sites. Having lived all their lives in open spaces allowing privacy, Peulh women in Yaloke now share rooms at the former local government building assigned to them by a head of a local Christian militia.

Moussa praying for resolution as he narrates the plight of his family and the loss of his 800 cows. He had lost both of his parents on the site due to dire living conditions and one of his children due to malnutrition.

Moussa praying for resolution as he narrates the plight of his family and the loss of his 800 cows. He had lost both of his parents on the site due to dire living conditions and one of his children due to malnutrition.

Moussa with his two surviving daughters on a new site in Yaloke built to resettle the Peulh community despite the majority's wish to get evacuated out of the village.

Moussa with his two surviving daughters on a new site in Yaloke built to resettle the Peulh community despite the majority's wish to get evacuated out of the village.

Halima, Moussa's wife, outside her Yaloke shelter holding her 2 years old Rachida. The mother's anxiety has been on the rise due to noticeably deteriorating health condition of the infant after one year in the enclave.

Halima, Moussa's wife, outside her Yaloke shelter holding her 2 years old Rachida. The mother's anxiety has been on the rise due to noticeably deteriorating health condition of the infant after one year in the enclave.

8 years old Awa with her mother Halima picking up malnutrition treatment pills for herself and her younger sister Rachida.

8 years old Awa with her mother Halima picking up malnutrition treatment pills for herself and her younger sister Rachida.

Nostalgia for nomadic herding life and natural fresh water makes community members gather rainfall despite availability of potable water on the site.

Nostalgia for nomadic herding life and natural fresh water makes community members gather rainfall despite availability of potable water on the site.

CAR security officials gathered Peulhs men left behind in Yaloke to participate at the inauguration ceremony of the controversial new site built for them under the blessing of both local and central government.

CAR security officials gathered Peulhs men left behind in Yaloke to participate at the inauguration ceremony of the controversial new site built for them under the blessing of both local and central government.

The Imam of Yaloke's Peulhs, only french speaking person in the community, called to talk to local radios. Fearing further intimidation and violent retaliation on himself and his people, he spoke in positive terms of the new site project where the Pe

The Imam of Yaloke's Peulhs, only french speaking person in the community, called to talk to local radios. Fearing further intimidation and violent retaliation on himself and his people, he spoke in positive terms of the new site project where the Peulhs were forced to move.

Due to a series of conflicts and violent skirmishes over the past ten years, the economy of landlocked CAR has come to a halt. The country's lifeline is mostly dependant on foreign aid. Most commercial supplies are delivered in escorted convoys from

Due to a series of conflicts and violent skirmishes over the past ten years, the economy of landlocked CAR has come to a halt. The country's lifeline is mostly dependant on foreign aid. Most commercial supplies are delivered in escorted convoys from Cameroon. Yaloke is on located on this route.

UN blue helmets from Bangladesh supervising traffic activity for convoys on a main national road linking CAR to Cameroon. Moussa's family is still awaiting evacuation across the border.

UN blue helmets from Bangladesh supervising traffic activity for convoys on a main national road linking CAR to Cameroon. Moussa's family is still awaiting evacuation across the border.

Rachida died out of severe malnutrition and poor health assistance just few days before departure to Cameroon. She was buried in an unnamed grave on the same location of her deceased sibling and grandparents.

Rachida died out of severe malnutrition and poor health assistance just few days before departure to Cameroon. She was buried in an unnamed grave on the same location of her deceased sibling and grandparents.

Having just lost her daughter Rachida, Halima sits for the first time in her new tent as a refugee in Cameroon. She was evacuated following escalation through the mission's findings. Surviving Awa, who also suffers from malnutrition, has been feeling

Having just lost her daughter Rachida, Halima sits for the first time in her new tent as a refugee in Cameroon. She was evacuated following escalation through the mission's findings. Surviving Awa, who also suffers from malnutrition, has been feeling even weaker after long road travel and border wait before reaching the camp.

Djibouti - Yemeni Crisis

For a period of two years starting in 2015, we supported UNHCR HQ in building a narrative around the Yemen crisis, and refugees fleeing to the Horn of Africa, particularly Djibouti and Somaliland where we travelled on multiple occasions.

Combining independent fact-finding, research and visual documentation, we’ve produced material covering multiple angles to highlight fundraising gaps: larger arrivals, refugee registration capacity, camp infrastructure, youth, gender, women, social and community building.

The still photographs below are snippets from one mission in Obock, Djibouti, where we got on the boat arriving from Yemen, and followed the journey all the way to settlement.

Abdelah Mohamed Soaybi (middle) is 82 years old. Despite reports of relative security in Aden, he advances that the country remains very volatile overall. “In fact, it was because fighting has ceased that we felt it was the right time to leave withou

Abdelah Mohamed Soaybi (middle) is 82 years old. Despite reports of relative security in Aden, he advances that the country remains very volatile overall. “In fact, it was because fighting has ceased that we felt it was the right time to leave without risking too much. Many more from Aden and elsewhere in Yemen will do the same”, he added.

As the boat moored, these two kids came down to the lower cabin to eat. They were instructed by their parents to not give their names to anybody. They also refused to reveal what was their final destination. “Dad said Yemenis could be found anywhere,

As the boat moored, these two kids came down to the lower cabin to eat. They were instructed by their parents to not give their names to anybody. They also refused to reveal what was their final destination. “Dad said Yemenis could be found anywhere, and some could perceive us as their enemies”, said the one on the right.

Using a pseudo sailing name, Magni Govi is one of the crew members on the boat. He has been working on ships between Yemen and the Horn of Africa for six years. “Not sure for how long we will be able to sustain this business. These days, the only po

Using a pseudo sailing name, Magni Govi is one of the crew members on the boat. He has been working on ships between Yemen and the Horn of Africa for six years. “Not sure for how long we will be able to sustain this business. These days, the only port in Yemen where such medium size boats can load, moor and sail is Aden. It's becoming increasingly dangerous and some of us are thinking to stop. The Yemenis fleeing would then have to get on those small risky fishing boats”, he warned.

The boat is operated by an indian crew which charges between $100 to $150 per adult for a one-way trip from Aden in Yemen to Djibouti.

The boat is operated by an indian crew which charges between $100 to $150 per adult for a one-way trip from Aden in Yemen to Djibouti.

169 Yemenis arrived to Obock port on the morning of 30-October-2015. The boat sailed for over 13 hours before it reached this coastal town in Djibouti. UNHCR team was on the ground to assist with this arrival.

169 Yemenis arrived to Obock port on the morning of 30-October-2015. The boat sailed for over 13 hours before it reached this coastal town in Djibouti. UNHCR team was on the ground to assist with this arrival.

A group of 13 Yemeni students from various regions of the country spent an average of two weeks attempting to find a safe port from where they could head to Djibouti, apply or extend their student visas for Indian universities. They had each packed o

A group of 13 Yemeni students from various regions of the country spent an average of two weeks attempting to find a safe port from where they could head to Djibouti, apply or extend their student visas for Indian universities. They had each packed only necessary items amongst their belongings to remain as mobile as possible.

42 years old Shayef, a political science PhD researcher was delegated to tell the story of the students on behalf of the group. “I guess everybody wants me to speak because I've been to India for longer than anybody else here. We sent our passports t

42 years old Shayef, a political science PhD researcher was delegated to tell the story of the students on behalf of the group. “I guess everybody wants me to speak because I've been to India for longer than anybody else here. We sent our passports to the Indian embassy in Djibouti three months ago, but we couldn't wait any more due to the aggravating reality in Yemen. Getting here to Obock is the first step in feeling safer. Let's see what's next”, he explained. He refrained from giving his full name for security concerns.

Markazi camp hosts today almost 3,000 Yemeni refugees from various regions of Yemen. The population of urban refugees elsewhere in Djibouti is considerably bigger, but these statistics could begin shifting soon. As their savings shrink, urban refuge

Markazi camp hosts today almost 3,000 Yemeni refugees from various regions of Yemen. The population of urban refugees elsewhere in Djibouti is considerably bigger, but these statistics could begin shifting soon. As their savings shrink, urban refugees are likely to seek shelter, food and basic services at UNHCR run camp in Obock.

Refugees receive incentive payments for the work they do at the camp. Here, a group puts up a shelter which will be used as a community centre.

Refugees receive incentive payments for the work they do at the camp. Here, a group puts up a shelter which will be used as a community centre.

Yemeni refugees work with humanitarian organisations to build latrines around the camp. As the refugee population expands, the need to develop more services becomes urgent, warn aid agencies.

Yemeni refugees work with humanitarian organisations to build latrines around the camp. As the refugee population expands, the need to develop more services becomes urgent, warn aid agencies.

After having fled his home in the central town of Taiz in mid-June, 47 years old Nasr Mohsen Mohamed decided to leave the refugee camp in Obock and return to Bab El Mendab region in Yemen where his wife comes from. “No incidents took place the first

After having fled his home in the central town of Taiz in mid-June, 47 years old Nasr Mohsen Mohamed decided to leave the refugee camp in Obock and return to Bab El Mendab region in Yemen where his wife comes from. “No incidents took place the first three weeks upon our return, but children were still traumatised from noise of military planes noise flying over us each day. Then all in a sudden there was that hideous massacre of civilians attending a wedding in late September, it was less than three kilometres from we were. That triggered the final call: we go back to Djibouti for good”, asserted Nasr

Hassan is also from Taiz. He fled after his brother's wife and other relatives died in an air strike. “We heard later on the news that it was collateral human damage of war. Is this what I should tell my children who cry each time they hear a roaring

Hassan is also from Taiz. He fled after his brother's wife and other relatives died in an air strike. “We heard later on the news that it was collateral human damage of war. Is this what I should tell my children who cry each time they hear a roaring engine, let alone planes? No, that was it for us, we had to leave”, insists Hassan.

As the breadwinner for a very large family whose members have split between Yemen and Djibouti while fleeing, Hassan is very frustrated at his inability to work. “I understand that Djibouti isn't a rich or an economically vibrant country which would

As the breadwinner for a very large family whose members have split between Yemen and Djibouti while fleeing, Hassan is very frustrated at his inability to work. “I understand that Djibouti isn't a rich or an economically vibrant country which would have work opportunities for people like me, but at least I can do manual work somewhere here. I just would like to afford decent medical treatment and efficient medicines for the little ones. Look at this baby in my arms, he is my grandson, he's suffered from diarrhoea and chronic vomiting since our fleeing. I hope the camp will very soon get adequate pills and resources for such cases”.

Having had a fiancee before the latest outbreak of violence, Imad knew that his future family-in-law had already settled as refugees in Obock, Djibouti. “At least, my in-laws can become my second family”, stated Imad. The day following his arrival to

Having had a fiancee before the latest outbreak of violence, Imad knew that his future family-in-law had already settled as refugees in Obock, Djibouti. “At least, my in-laws can become my second family”, stated Imad. The day following his arrival to the camp, his father-in-law Abdelah Saad (left) decided the couple can get married immediately.

“I was given emergency treatment by a private doctor, but couldn't afford follow-ups. I thought of going to a public hospital inland, but I kept on hearing that medical facilities affiliated to the government could be hit any moment. I just couldn't

“I was given emergency treatment by a private doctor, but couldn't afford follow-ups. I thought of going to a public hospital inland, but I kept on hearing that medical facilities affiliated to the government could be hit any moment. I just couldn't run any risks, especially on crutches and with a metal implant on my leg”, explained Seif who decided to save money and cross to Djibouti in late October “so that I get properly treated and receive help from the community in the camp. Back in Yemen, I came across many men, women and children whose health is deteriorating due to unhealed wounds. I am glad that some have already crossed, I hope the remaining will manage as well”, he added.

From left to right, Fayza (20), Marwa (21), Naama (20) and Sarah (17), have fled violence at various parts of Yemen between April and October 2015. All four have graduated from high school in Yemen, and were looking forward to graduate from universit

From left to right, Fayza (20), Marwa (21), Naama (20) and Sarah (17), have fled violence at various parts of Yemen between April and October 2015. All four have graduated from high school in Yemen, and were looking forward to graduate from university.

Imad, Mohammed, their respective wives and one mother-in-law pose for souvenir pictures outside Obock's registry office where they just registered their marriages. “Elderly men and women tell us that life must go on, and I agree, but I cannot help t

Imad, Mohammed, their respective wives and one mother-in-law pose for souvenir pictures outside Obock's registry office where they just registered their marriages. “Elderly men and women tell us that life must go on, and I agree, but I cannot help thinking of the fate of my future children who will be soon born here in Djibouti. I truly hope that by then more services will be available in the camp”, pleaded Mohamed highlighting the need for an on-site maternity care centre and a paediatrician clinic.

Brothers Zakariya and Ali Abulrahman Albaguess, 20 & 19, take regularly the 30 minutes walk to the beach in Obock. While Zakariya (right) was a full time fisherman in Yemen, Ali was about to graduate from high school. He also used to fish regularly.

Brothers Zakariya and Ali Abulrahman Albaguess, 20 & 19, take regularly the 30 minutes walk to the beach in Obock. While Zakariya (right) was a full time fisherman in Yemen, Ali was about to graduate from high school. He also used to fish regularly.

Yemeni refugee Ali Abulrahman Albaguess, 19, takes a swim nearby the camp on the coast of Obock, Djibouti. Isuued from a fishermen family, Ali says he comes to the sea to grieve.

Yemeni refugee Ali Abulrahman Albaguess, 19, takes a swim nearby the camp on the coast of Obock, Djibouti. Isuued from a fishermen family, Ali says he comes to the sea to grieve.

Yemeni refugee Mediene Abulrahman Albaguess, 6, came down despite his injured arm to watch his older brothers take a dive.

Yemeni refugee Mediene Abulrahman Albaguess, 6, came down despite his injured arm to watch his older brothers take a dive.