Here are five key points about the current situation in the Central African Republic (CAR):
1. Prolonged Conflict: CAR has faced instability and conflict for over a decade, with various armed groups battling for control of resources. The ongoing violence and severe weather have displaced millions, with 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid and 3 million facing extreme food insecurity.
2. Deteriorating Infrastructure: The decade of conflict has severely impacted infrastructure, including healthcare and education. Many areas lack basic services, and unpaved roads hinder access to remote regions. Increased accidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have further endangered civilians.
3. Education Crisis: The conflict and displacement have severely affected the education system. About 70% of children do not attend school regularly, and many schools have been destroyed. Financial constraints and insecurity force children to drop out, exposing them to risks like recruitment by armed groups and child labor.
4. Regional Tensions: CAR’s borders with Chad and Sudan are hotspots for conflict and displacement. Insecurity has disrupted trade and exacerbated food shortages. Thousands of returnees from Chad and displaced persons from Sudan have added to the strain on local resources.
5. Underfunded Humanitarian Efforts: Despite the severe crisis, international aid for CAR remains inadequate. In 2023, only 59% of the needed funds for humanitarian response were received. Media attention and political commitment to address CAR’s plight are among the lowest for global crises.
