The people are fleeing from the current upsurge of violence that started on June 12, 2016.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says more than 5,600 Central African Republic refugees have fled to Chad and another 555 to Cameroon since June 12, 2016, escaping from the upsurge of violence in the  north western part of the country, Voice of America (VOA)  reports.

"The exodus began on June 12 when clashes erupted between livestock herders and local arable farmers in and around the north-west town of Ngaoundaye, Ouham Pende region," UNHCR reportedly said in a statement. UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming in the statement said, “We are concerned that things are still tense, that there are flashpoints within CAR, and that we need to keep an eye on it and that there are people who are fleeing for their lives and who are in need and are reporting terrible atrocities — killings, kidnappings, lootings, torching of their homes,” VOA further quoted.

The UNHCR senior official while expressing more worries said, “What is disturbing here is that the two opposing militias, the Seleka and anti-Balaka, are now joining in this clash and fighting each other. So, this is becoming something that could have wider implications and could spread further."

The recent mass exodus of CAR refugees further adds to the difficulties the UNHCR is facing in tackling humanitarian situation.  The organisation said its humanitarian operation for more than 300,000 CAR refugees in Chad and Cameroon is in financial trouble. UNHCR has reportedly appealed for 225 million U.S. Dollars  to provide life-saving assistance to the refugees this year 2016  and has only received 24.7 million U.S. Dollars, representing only 11 per cent  of the total amount needed.