UNICEF: Rise in kidnappings in Central African Republic

PAOUA, Central African Republic, 20 June 2008 -- In the shade of the veranda, five-year-old Harouna Garga and his seven-year-old sister Beldo sit safely in their father's lap at the family compound in Paoua, north-west Central African Republic. Three years ago, however, their life was not so serene.

The children's father, Souleimane Garga, recounts the events of 23 June 2005, when his family was attacked by bandits known as Zaraguinas.

"It was two in the morning when they came. There were many of them and they knocked down the doors," says Mr. Garga as he points to the various bedroom doors facing the courtyard. "They had Kalashnikovs and the bullets came down like rain."

Bandits killed the children's grandfather and their uncle. Mr. Garga was shot in the back. The Zaraguinas stole the family's valuables, including their cattle herd.

Worst of all, they took Mr. Garga's wife and her one-week-old baby -- as well as Beldo and Harouna.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/car_44554.html

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• CAR
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• kidnapping
• children
• protection