The report focuses on Baboua, a town in the Central African Republic about fifty kilometers from the Cameroonian border, where there has been a significant rise in incidents of sexual violence in recent weeks. Each week, around ten women, mostly young girls, fall victim to rape, with some receiving medical care at the local hospital while many others remain silent due to social stigmas and traditional pressures. These assaults occur both in the city and in surrounding fields or villages, with perpetrators being both armed bandits and sometimes even acquaintances of the victims.

The alarming situation in Baboua has prompted the involvement of the local NGO SENI PLUS, which provides psychological support aimed at helping survivors reintegrate into society without discrimination. This initiative is crucial in raising awareness about the issue of sexual violence and fostering an environment where victims feel safe to speak out against their attackers. The ongoing violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the region even a decade after the initial crisis that affected Central Africa.

The persistence of such violence not only highlights the immediate risks to women and girls in Baboua but also reflects broader societal issues regarding gender-based violence in the region. It raises questions about the effectiveness of local and national responses to criminal behavior and underscores the need for continued efforts to support survivors and address the systemic issues that allow such violence to occur.