Water, source of friendship

Thanks to the construction and restoration of water points, peaceful cohabitation between Central African returnees and local communities is a reality in Southern Chad.

Martine is Christian, Aichatou is Muslim. Two hands outstretched for peaceful cohabitation between returnees and local communities regardless of religion.

“We previously got water from traditional wells or ponds. When the migrants arrived 4 years ago, we had our first water point, which made our lives easier,” says Martine Larnodjal, aged 43, who has 4 children and lives in the local community of Kobiteye, near the site where Central African returnees live. “The water is better. It no longer gives us stomachache. We pay 100 CFA francs ($0.15) per household per month to maintain the water point,” she adds.

“I arrived in Kobiteye in 2014, after having lived in Central African Republic (CAR) for over 30 years. Because there are enough pumps, there has never been a problem with the local communities,” adds Aichatou Amidou, age 45, who has 5 children living in the Kobiteye camp, for which the neighboring village was named. “Like them, we pay 100 CFA francs ($0.15) per household per month to ensure the water points are maintained.”

“We have become friends with the returnees. They had to flee their homes due to the war, and I think it is important to welcome them in our community as best as we can because if I had to flee from war tomorrow, I would want to be welcomed,” continues Martine, looking at Aichatou, who is sitting right in front of her.

“My husband died in the Central African Republic during the war, and I decided to leave everything. I came to Kobiteye alone with my 5 children, and I am able to survive here thanks to small businesses. I met Martine 2 years ago. We cooked together school meals. I get lonely sometimes, and it is a huge relief to be surrounded by good people. Martine is one of them,” adds Aichatou, patting her friend’s hand.

“Friendship binds us. Now, if I have a little extra food, I share it with her. And if Aichatou gets a little extra food, she does the same thing. Refugees and returnees are humans just like us. I want them to stay here with us — unless they want to go back — but otherwise, they are at home,” concludes Martine.

Thanks to United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UNICEF provides support and strengthens basic water, sanitation and hygiene services, increasing access to water and sanitation in the refugee camps and host villages affected by the CAR crisis in Southern Chad.