Central African Republic Humanitarian Crisis – Facts of the Struggle

The Central African Republic humanitarian crisis left more than half the population needing aid and protection. Conflict between armed groups, foreign soldiers, and other security personnel fuelled the crisis. Widespread displacement and suffering of civilians followed.

Despite the violence abating since the 2021 post-election crisis, the situation remained both critical and volatile. Heightened security risks not only put vulnerable populations in harm’s way, but also hinder humanitarian access and the delivery of much-needed aid to affected individuals. Amid these challenges, local and international responses are crucial in providing life-saving assistance.

Then add, protecting the rights of vulnerable people, rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, and addressing health-related issues. The crisis caused all these problems. In addition, education is a priority, as children and young people need access to learning opportunities. Otherwise, how can the Central African Republic (CAR) build a more promising future.

The Impact of the Central African Republic Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) has escalated over the years due to conflict and instability. The landlocked country, known as one of the poorest and most fragile countries in the world, has seen a significant impact on its population, where many civilians have faced violence and displacement.

The conflict began in 2013, when outbreaks of violence between armed groups forced more than 640,000 people to flee their homes. This has led to worsening living conditions and increased vulnerability among the population. The crisis reached a point where 3.4 million people required humanitarian assistance in 2023, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The key impacts of the crisis include:

Violence against civilians

The conflict has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties and human rights abuses, such as targeted attacks on communities and sexual violence.

Displacement

On May 31, 2023, an estimated 475,000 people were internally displaced, with an additional 744,000 Central African Republic refugees seeking safety in neighbouring countries.

Food insecurity

Over 3 million people have experienced food insecurity because of the conflict, disrupted agricultural activities and limited access to subsistence opportunities.

Deteriorating living conditions:

 Insecurity and conflict-related violence has deteriorated the living conditions of many people. Basic healthcare and education services became inaccessible to a large segment of the population.

The Humanitarian Response Plan 2021 aims to mitigate the critical consequences by addressing the need for:

• improved physical and mental well-being,
• better living conditions, and
• protection for those affected.

Despite the efforts of humanitarian organisations and international partners, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable, as continued violence and insecurity hinder the effective delivery of aid.

Takeaway

The crisis is far from resolved, and the urgency to alleviate the suffering of the CAR’s population cannot be understated. Conflict and escalated humanitarian needs make it imperative that global efforts are renewed and enhanced to tackle the crisis and bring respite to the people of Central African Republic.

Humanitarian Needs and Challenges

As the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic worsened, over 3.4 million people required aid and protection. Conflicts and insecurity significantly impacted the lives of many citizens, resulting in challenges for humanitarian actors trying to deliver basic services.

Health and Nutrition

Limited access to vital healthcare services for affected people has made the health problems of the nation alarmingly bad. It is exacerbated by the lack of appropriate infrastructure and resources. Malnutrition is a serious concern, especially among children, because of food insecurity and limited access to essential nutrition services. Effective interventions, such as immunisation campaigns and therapeutic feeding programs, have needed to be scaled by humanitarian actors and partners to address the immediate needs.

Education

Access to education has been negatively impacted by the crisis, with many schools destroyed or occupied by armed groups. Thousands of children have been deprived of their right to education in a safe and conducive environment. Moreover, the lack of well-trained teachers and educational materials has worsened the problem. Humanitarian helpers continue to rehabilitate schools, provide essential learning materials, and support the education system to ensure continuity and quality of education.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

The crisis put enormous pressure on the already strained national water and sanitation infrastructure. Many communities lack sources of safe drinking water. And the prevalence of defecation on open ground has added to serious public health problems. Provision of safe water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene awareness programmes are vital components of the humanitarian response. Preventing the outbreak of waterborne diseases and improving quality of life for those affected by the crisis are critical issues.

Multisectoral Assistance

Due to the complex nature of the crisis, a multisectoral approach has been essential to ensure humanitarian response addresses the diverse needs of affected people. This includes providing a coordinated package of essential services and support.

• health,
• nutrition,
• education, and
• WASH interventions.

These all require strong partnerships among humanitarian organisations, donors, and the government. The Humanitarian Needs Overview and the Humanitarian Response Plan serve as critical guiding documents for such collaborative efforts.

Takeaway

The humanitarian needs and challenges in the Central African Republic are immense. Millions of people have been reliant on the support of humanitarians and humanitarian organisations. It has been imperative to find sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.

Security Environment and Impact on Humanitarian Assistance

The Central African Republic (CAR) has become a volatile and insecure environment. The presence of armed groups has had a negative impact on humanitarian assistance. Defence forces, soldiers from nearby countries, and other security personnel waged an asymmetric war against armed groups. This all contributed to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

A Displaced Nation

One of the primary consequences of insecurity is the displacement of large numbers of people. After mid-December 2020, 200,000 Central Africans fled their homes, seeking safety in other regions of the country or across borders. This displacement increased the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance, and over half of CAR’s five million citizens needed aid.

Delivering Aid

Despite the challenges, humanitarian partners delivered lifesaving, multisectoral assistance to 1.6 million people  after January to September 2021. Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2023, they aided 658,000 individuals. This accounted for 28% of the target outlined in the Humanitarian Response Plan.

Food Crisis Desatabilised

However, the increasing instability and presence of armed groups led to numerous attacks on humanitarian workers. These attacks hampered the delivery of aid to affected communities and compromised the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.

The food crisis has been destabilised further by the security problems. Around 50% of the population has not had enough food, which has resulted in CAR being among the highest proportions of critically food-insecure people on Earth. Violence has disrupted agricultural activities and food supply chains, thereby exacerbating the food crisis.

Safety of Humanitarian Personnel

The pressing humanitarian needs amid a deteriorating security environment, made the protection of humanitarian personnel and the safe, unimpeded access to affected communities, priorities. Sustained dialogue and coordination among all those involved has been imperative. This included defence forces, armed groups, and humanitarian organisations, needed to ensure lifesaving aid reached those most in need.

Protection of the Vulnerable

The humanitarian crisis in Central African Republic (CAR) poses a threat to the protection of vulnerable people. Children, girls, and those exposed to gender-based violence have been extremely vulnerable. Over half the population, 3.4 million people have needed aid and protection. In the first half of 2023, the humanitarian community in CAR planned to assist 2.4 million vulnerable individuals in line with their strategic objectives.

Protecting Children

A key pillar of the humanitarian response was the protection of children. Armed conflicts and violence have a lasting impact on children’s lives, leaving many of them separated from their families, exposed to abuse, or forced to join armed groups. It is hard to be a child in the CAR. UNICEF strives to get children released from the clutches of armed groups, reunifying separated or unaccompanied children with their families, and providing appropriate psychosocial support to those affected by conflict.

Gender Based Violence

Gender-based violence is a pressing concern in the CAR. Girls and women have been exposed to sexual violence, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Humanitarian response includes measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. This includes raising awareness on the issues, delivering protection services, and supporting the empowerment of girls and women.

Humanitarian Response Plan 2021

The Humanitarian Response Plan 2021 focuses on providing an inclusive, protective, and humanitarian-based response for 1.84 million extremely vulnerable people in CAR. With adequate funding and the commitment of all stakeholders, a continued effort towards the protection and support of CAR’s most vulnerable populations has been essential amid the crisis.

To ensure the inclusivity of the response, humanitarian actors address the needs of all those who are vulnerable. This includes persons with disabilities, older individuals, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). A comprehensive and inclusive approach is necessary to provide protection, access to essential services, and assistance to meet the specific needs of at-risk groups.

Role of Local and International Responses

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic has demanded the attention and efforts of various local and international entities to alleviate the suffering of those affected. The roles and contributions of the following cannot be overstated:

• United Nations (UN),
• MINUSCA,
• OCHA,
• UNICEF, and
• the humanitarian community.

The United Nations

The UN plays a critical role in coordinating the international response to the CAR’s crisis. Through its agencies and peacekeeping forces, the UN aims to restore stability in the region and provide aid to affected civilians.

MINUSCA

One such effort includes the establishment of the MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) in April 2014, which seeks to protect civilians, support a peaceful transition of power, and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

OHCA

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, helps develop comprehensive and well-targeted humanitarian strategies. In collaboration with humanitarian partners and the humanitarian community, OCHA designed the Humanitarian Response Plan 2021 for CAR, which aims to support people affected by violence and natural hazards in hard-to-reach areas. This plan, which seeks to provide relief to those with the most pressing needs, requires a budget of $444.7 million. The severity of the CAR humanitarian crisis is the worst since 2015.

UNICEF

UNICEF is another key international player, focusing on children and their unique needs in the CAR crisis. Their efforts revolve around providing access to education, healthcare, nutrition, water, and sanitation, as well as protecting children from violence and exploitation. Through their consistent and dedicated efforts, UNICEF and its partners have managed to make noticeable, albeit limited, progress in improving the living conditions of children in the region.

The Humanitarian Community

Local humanitarian organisations play a crucial role in addressing the crisis. Since they are usually the first to respond and often have better knowledge of the local context, their work in collaboration with international actors is essential for efficiently addressing the immediate needs of those affected.

Takeaway

Local and international entities working in the Central African Republic strive to meet the immediate and long-term needs of those affected. A coordinated and multifaceted approach is necessary to face the complex challenges posed by a grave humanitarian crisis.

Impact on Education and Infrastructure

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic has had widespread, devastating effects on education and infrastructure. According to UNICEF the crisis has led to children being separated from their families and forced into armed groups. In response, UNICEF has been working on reunifying children with their families and addressing the psychosocial needs of those affected by the conflict.

Education has been severely impacted by the crisis. Many schools have been closed, teachers have left their positions, and over 65,000 students have been forced to abandon their education. The situation has been particularly dire for children in conflict-affected areas. However, there have been some improvements. Working with the Ministry of Education and regional NGOs, UNICEF has successfully enabled 65,000 students to return to school and opened 120 temporary learning centres in areas with minimal violence. Additionally, over 1,000 teachers have returned to their schools.

The country’s infrastructure has also been heavily affected by the crisis. According to Concern Worldwide, more than 85% of the population lacks electricity, and life expectancy in the Central African Republic is just over 53 years. The lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities has exacerbated the situation, further endangering the health of communities.

Although international aid efforts have been ongoing, more needs to be done to address and resolve the components of the Central African Republic humanitarian crisis effectively.

Health Challenges and Responses

The Central African Republic (CAR) has been a significant humanitarian crisis since violence erupted in 2013. Health challenges, including malnutrition, HIV, malaria, and limited access to health care and hygiene, have affected millions of people in the country. In this section we discuss these issues and the responses implemented to address them.

Children’s Illness

Preventable childhood illnesses have been widespread, and malnutrition, a major health problem, needing urgent attention. Limited access to sanitation and clean water has contributed to the high prevalence of malnutrition among children. To combat this issue, humanitarian organisations, such as UNICEF, have provided support to address malnutrition through the development of sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

Malaria and HIV

HIV and Malaria are prevalent in the CAR. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death, while the HIV rate remains high, impacting the population’s overall health. The World Health Organisation has helped the government and other partners in their fight against these epidemics by strengthening prevention and treatment programmes, as well as improving the overall health care system.

Limited Health Services

The limited availability of health care services is another major challenge. With the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the already fragile health care system struggles even more. Many health facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and access to essential medical services is disrupted. To ensure more people receive the health care they need, organisations have initiated programs to train local health workers and rehabilitate health facilities.

Humanitarian Response Plan

In response to the crisis in the Central African Republic, the humanitarian community has developed a Humanitarian Response Plan that aims to help the most vulnerable people. This plan, which requires $444.7 million in funding, targets those affected by violence, natural disasters, and other factors that contribute to poor health.

Takeaway

To sum up, the Central African Republic faces numerous health challenges amid the humanitarian crisis. Efforts are being made to address malnutrition, HIV, malaria, and inadequate health care, with organisations working together to improve the overall health of the population.

Humanitarian Funding and Assistance

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) remains critical, with more than half the population, 3.4 million people requiring assistance and protection. Achieving this crucial support depends on funding and humanitarian assistance. As of mid-2023, US$465 million was needed to provide life-saving assistance to the affected populations in CAR.

Donor support has played a significant role in addressing the needs of those affected. For instance, in 2020, humanitarian actors were able to assist 3.4 million people thanks to increased funding. Despite achievements like these, the situation in CAR remained dire, as the country experienced one of the highest proportions of critically food-insecure people in the World. During the first quarter of 2023, humanitarian actors provided life-saving assistance to 658,000 people, representing 28% of the Humanitarian Response Plan target. Adequate funding continued to be an essential aspect of ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it the most.

The obstacles faced in providing humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic include elevated levels of violence, criminality, logistical challenges, and under-capacitated humanitarian response. These issues coupled with the large number of armed groups made the situation more complex and impeded efforts to provide the required aid.

Takeaway

Continued donor support and funding are essential for the humanitarian community to alleviate the crisis in Central African Republic. The US$ 465 million required for 2023 will go a long way in providing much needed life-saving assistance to the millions of vulnerable people in the country.

Final Thoughts

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic reached critical levels early in 2023. A significant proportion of the population was in need of assistance. More than half of the country’s 4.9 million citizens required humanitarian aid, and over 200,000 people were displaced.

The humanitarian situation has been particularly dire in the Haut-Mbomou Prefecture. There has been limited access to essential resources like food, clean water, and medical services. International organisations such as UNICEF have been actively working on the ground to provide psychosocial support to affected children. They have addressed health-related issues such as preventable childhood illnesses, malaria, HIV, and malnutrition.

Addressing the humanitarian needs in the Central African Republic requires a concerted effort from national and international stakeholders. Collaboration between governments, non-governmental organisations, and relief agencies is crucial to delivering essential relief items and services to affected populations.

Efficient allocation of resources and a clear understanding of the most pressing needs are key to mitigating the humanitarian crisis. While significant efforts have been made, it is essential to maintain focus on providing long-term, sustainable solutions that promote peace, stability, and the well-being of all CAR citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Central African Republic crisis?

The Central African Republic (CAR) has experienced a series of crises due to political instability, armed conflict, and competition over resources. The most recent crisis began in 2013 with a civil war that followed a coup d’état. The conflict led to widespread violence, human rights abuses, and a resulting unresolved humanitarian crisis (2023).

Why does Central African Republic have so many refugees?

The conflict in CAR has resulted in thousands of people fleeing the country. As a result, neighbouring countries have witnessed an influx of refugees, with many living in dire conditions. The high number of refugees can be attributed to the violence, human rights abuses, and the widespread humanitarian crisis that persists in the country.

What are the main challenges facing humanitarian aid efforts?

Humanitarian aid efforts in CAR face a multitude of challenges, such as insecurity, limited resources, and logistical constraints. The extent of the conflict has made it difficult for NGOs and international organisations to safely deliver aid to those in need. Additionally, the country’s remote and hard-to-reach locations further complicate aid distribution efforts.

How has the conflict affected the economy and development in the region?

The conflict has had devastating consequences on the economy and overall development of the region. Widespread violence has disrupted trade, agriculture, and infrastructure, leading to a significant decline in economic activity. As a result, the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the World. It has an extreme poverty rate and limited prospects for future growth.

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