Central African Republic Requires $367.7 Million to Strengthen Humanitarian Response in 2024

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The Central African Republic (CAR) has experienced some improvements in its overall situation; however, significant humanitarian needs persist due to a decade-long conflict and the recent spillover effects of the Sudanese war, along with insecurity in the northwestern border with Chad. As of 2024, 2.8 million individuals, constituting 46 percent of the population, are deemed highly vulnerable, necessitating sustained humanitarian intervention beyond mere assistance to restore their well-being. Mr. Mohamed Ag Ayoya, the Humanitarian Coordinator in CAR, highlighted the necessity of engaging development actors in relatively stable regions to fortify gains from humanitarian endeavors and ensure long-term support for the protection and resilience of vulnerable communities.

In response to the pressing needs of the most vulnerable Central Africans, the CAR Government and the Humanitarian Country Team jointly launched the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan. This initiative aims to address the urgent requirements of 1.9 million vulnerable individuals and requires mobilization of US$ 367.7 million. The humanitarian strategy emphasizes addressing multifaceted needs, with a focus on protection across all sectors and a commitment to involving national actors systematically in the humanitarian response. Additionally, the plan emphasizes accountability to affected populations, the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, and the promotion of durable solutions to displacement, particularly in stable regions.

Despite efforts to improve conditions, civilians continue to suffer the consequences of violence, with one in five Central Africans displaced either within the country or abroad. Logistical and security challenges further impede humanitarian efforts, with incidents affecting humanitarian actors occurring at a frequency of one every two days in 2023. Mr. Ayoya condemned violence against humanitarian workers, highlighting its detrimental impact on access to essential services such as water, food, education, and healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Central Africans.

The year 2023 witnessed significant assistance reaching 2 million of the most vulnerable Central Africans, particularly in regions previously inaccessible by road for several years, thanks to the generosity of donors. Mr. Ayoya expressed gratitude to donors for their support in 2023 and urged continued assistance in 2024, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting the needs of Central Africans amidst evolving global emergency aid dynamics.

In conclusion, while progress has been made, sustained humanitarian efforts, supported by national and international stakeholders, are crucial to addressing the ongoing crisis in the Central African Republic and improving the well-being of its vulnerable populations.