CAR’s Enduring Crisis: A Call for Action

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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The Central African Republic (CAR) remains caught in a deep humanitarian crisis. This situation is fueled by ongoing conflict, widespread insecurity, and the displacement of countless people. Despite dedicated efforts towards achieving lasting peace, the nation’s people, predominantly Black Africans, continue to face immense hardship. Their resilience is tested daily by violence and a desperate lack of essential services. The international community’s attention is vital to alleviate this suffering and support a path to stability for the Central African people.

As of April 2025, a staggering 2.4 million people in CAR require urgent assistance (reliefweb.int). This figure represents nearly 38% of the entire population. Among those in dire need, more than 442,000 individuals are internally displaced (reliefweb.int). These are people forced to flee their homes but who remain within their country’s borders (banglajol.info). Their plight highlights the profound instability that grips the nation, leaving communities shattered and lives uprooted. The sheer scale of displacement underscores the urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian intervention and long-term solutions.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The southeastern, northeastern, and western regions of CAR face severe instability (reliefweb.int). These areas are plagued by widespread sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and inadequate access to maternal health services (reliefweb.int). A recent assessment in Bria, a town in the eastern part of the country, uncovered alarming rates of rape, child marriage, and female genital mutilation (reliefweb.int). Furthermore, critical shortages in clinical services mean that survivors often lack the immediate care they desperately need (reliefweb.int). The lack of medical support exacerbates the trauma and long-term health consequences for victims.

The termination of US aid has further jeopardized access to vital sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services (reliefweb.int). This cut impacts nearly 70,000 women and girls, especially those in refugee-hosting areas like Birao (reliefweb.int). SRH services encompass a range of critical healthcare provisions aimed at ensuring well-being related to sexual and reproductive life. These services include, but are not limited to, maternal health care, access to contraception, safe delivery services, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The reduction in funding means fewer safe deliveries, less access to family planning, and increased vulnerability to preventable diseases. This situation is particularly devastating for a population already struggling with extreme poverty and insecurity. The absence of these services leaves women and girls exposed to greater risks, including unintended pregnancies and complications during childbirth, which can be fatal in areas with limited medical infrastructure.

Progress Amidst Persistent Violence

Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some signs of progress in the Central African Republic’s peace efforts. Armed groups have agreed to disarmament deals, and the government has gradually expanded its authority. In May 2015, Central African Republic militias agreed to a disarmament deal (reuters.com). This early agreement offered a glimpse of hope for a more peaceful future. However, the path to peace has been fraught with setbacks and renewed violence.

More recently, in February 2023, the Central African Republics government signed another significant agreement with armed groups (crisisgroup.org). This commitment included integrating some of the groups fighters into new army units and their leaders into government positions (crisisgroup.org). This approach aims to bring former combatants into the fold, fostering stability through inclusion. The agreement has garnered international support, signaling a collective desire for peace in the region (crisisgroup.org). Furthermore, significant progress has been made as State authority has gradually expanded, and two more armed groups have laid down their arms (press.un.org). These steps, while promising, are often overshadowed by continued violence in the provinces, reminding everyone that peace is a fragile and ongoing process.

The Scourge of Gratuitous Violence

Even with peace efforts underway, gratuitous violence continues to plague the Central African Republic. This unnecessary or senseless violence is often perpetrated by armed groups and unidentified armed men operating throughout the country (press.un.org). The persistent attacks create an atmosphere of fear and instability, making it difficult for communities to rebuild and for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The arbitrary nature of this violence means that civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, are constantly at risk, unable to predict when or where the next act of aggression might occur.

The impact of this violence is profound, leading to a constant demand for help from the poor and disadvantaged Central African people (press.un.org). Their cry for assistance echoes across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for protection and support. The ongoing insecurity prevents displaced people from returning home and disrupts essential services, trapping communities in a cycle of vulnerability. The international community must recognize this desperate plea and redouble efforts to protect civilians and ensure accountability for those who commit these senseless acts of violence. The people of CAR deserve to live in safety and dignity, free from the constant threat of harm.

Refugee Influx and Humanitarian Strain

The conflict in neighboring Sudan has significantly impacted the Central African Republic, leading to a large influx of refugees. Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have continued since April 2023, causing massive displacement (reliefweb.int). Many Sudanese, seeking safety, have crossed into CAR, particularly into Vakaga Prefecture (reliefweb.int). In August 2023, the Central African government signed a decree granting prima facie refugee status to Sudanese fleeing the conflict (reliefweb.int). This legal term means that, on the face of it, these individuals are recognized as refugees without needing to go through individual status determination, providing them with immediate protection and rights. This measure reflects CAR’s commitment to humanitarian principles, even as it faces its own internal struggles.

The Central African government and humanitarian partners are working to address the urgent needs of these new arrivals. The Prime Minister and the Special Representative led a delegation to Vakaga Prefecture to address the situation following the influx of over 20,000 people (reliefweb.int). The Prime Minister encouraged local communities to welcome Sudanese refugees, emphasizing collaboration with MINUSCA, the United Nations country team, and humanitarian partners (reliefweb.int). However, significant challenges remain regarding CAR’s capacity to host these refugees and provide adequate living conditions. Vakaga Prefecture, where the influx occurred, has historically been marginalized due to its remote location and limited state presence (reliefweb.int). This region also sees armed groups operating across its borders with Chad and Sudan, further complicating aid delivery and security (reliefweb.int). The additional strain on already scarce resources highlights the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and their devastating impact on vulnerable populations.

The Funding Shortfall and Its Consequences

The humanitarian response in CAR is severely hampered by a significant funding shortfall. This lack of adequate resources means that many people in need may not receive essential aid, including food, shelter, healthcare, or protection services. The significant humanitarian funding shortfall in the CAR severely impacts the ability to deliver essential aid and creates critical gaps in assistance for vulnerable populations. For example, in February, the Humanitarian Coordinator allocated US$3 million from the CAR Humanitarian Fund to address the gap in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) interventions (reports.unocha.org). This amount, however, represents only 25% of the required funding for the GBV area of responsibility under the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (reports.unocha.org). The substantial gap in funding directly translates into a reduced ability to provide life-saving services, leaving countless individuals, particularly women and girls, at heightened risk.

The inadequacy of funding is starkly evident in the provision of GBV services. While efforts are being made, the scale of the problem far outweighs the available resources. In the first quarter of 2024, only 28% of GBV survivors received psychosocial support and medical care within the required 72 hours (reports.unocha.org). Furthermore, a mere 14.5% of GBV survivors received legal assistance, and an even smaller 4.5% received livelihood assistance (reports.unocha.org). These figures reveal a substantial gap between the services provided and the overall need. UNFPA and partners did provide GBV prevention and psychosocial support to 1,675 women and girls through four operational safe spaces (reliefweb.int). Additionally, 9,071 people benefited from GBV awareness and protection activities (reliefweb.int). While these efforts are commendable, they are a fraction of what is needed to address the widespread issue of gender-based violence in CAR. The lack of comprehensive support means many survivors do not receive timely or holistic care, perpetuating cycles of trauma and vulnerability within communities.

Humanitarian Funding Shortfall in CAR (2024)

Regional Instability and Its Echoes

Conflicts significantly influence the Central African Republic’s humanitarian situation in neighboring countries like Sudan and Chad. These regional conflicts exacerbate existing vulnerabilities within CAR. They lead to a continuous influx of refugees, placing additional strain on already stretched resources. For instance, the arrival of over 20,000 people fleeing violence in Sudan into Vakaga Prefecture in CAR directly illustrates how regional conflicts cause displacement within CAR (reliefweb.int). This influx not only increases the number of people in need but also introduces new challenges related to providing adequate shelter, food, and medical care in remote and underserved areas.

Furthermore, regional instability contributes to heightened insecurity within CAR itself. Vakaga Prefecture, bordering Chad and Sudan, has historically seen armed groups operating across its borders (reliefweb.int). These cross-border movements of armed groups can reignite internal conflicts, disrupt humanitarian access, and further destabilize regions that are already fragile. The presence of these groups complicates efforts to expand state authority and secure peace. The interconnectedness of these crises means that addressing CAR’s humanitarian needs requires a regional approach, acknowledging that peace and stability in one country often depend on the conditions in its neighbors. The people of CAR, many of whom share cultural and familial ties with those in neighboring nations, bear the brunt of these wider regional conflicts, enduring displacement and insecurity as a result.

CAR’s Humanitarian Needs (April 2025)

The Path Forward for CAR

The Central African Republic stands at a critical juncture. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread displacement, gender-based violence, and a severe lack of essential services, demands immediate and sustained international attention. The resilience of the Central African people, who have endured decades of conflict and instability, is truly remarkable. However, their strength must be met with tangible support and a commitment to long-term solutions. The termination of vital aid, coupled with significant funding shortfalls, directly impacts the ability to deliver life-saving assistance. This situation leaves vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, at even greater risk. The international community has a moral imperative to ensure that humanitarian efforts are adequately funded and sustained.

While peace efforts, including disarmament deals and the expansion of state authority, offer glimmers of hope, the pervasive gratuitous violence and the strain of regional conflicts continue to undermine progress. The influx of refugees from Sudan, while a testament to CAR’s humanitarian spirit, adds immense pressure to an already fragile system. Addressing these complex challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increased humanitarian funding, robust protection for civilians, and continued support for peace processes that genuinely integrate armed groups and expand government control. Furthermore, regional cooperation is essential to manage cross-border movements and address the root causes of instability. The future of CAR, and the well-being of its people, depends on a concerted and compassionate global response. Their cry for assistance must be heard and acted upon.

GBV Intervention Gaps in CAR (Q1 2024)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.