Crisis in Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is one of the toughest places in the world to be a child.
Updated 26 December 2023
Crisis overview: What’s happening in Central African Republic?
In December 2013, Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, descended into a brutal bloodbath as the already fragile state was further weakened. Early signs of recovery and rebuilding soon gave way to a dramatic resurgence in fighting, with armed groups frequently targeting civilians rather than each other.
Despite a February 2019 peace agreement signed between the Government and 14 armed groups, the security situation in the country remains precarious. In the run-up to and after the general elections of December 2020, armed conflict between Government forces and a coalition of armed groups in several towns forced an estimated 168,000 children and their families to flee their homes.
Although insecurity and conflict-related violence have somewhat decreased since the peak of the 2021 post-election crisis, the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic remains critical and volatile, and humanitarian needs remain high. Meanwhile, ongoing fighting in neighbouring Sudan had forced thousands of women and children to flee across the border into Central African Republic by mid-July 2023.
Read UNICEF’s 2024 humanitarian appeal for Central African Republic
How are children being affected?
The Central African Republic is one of the toughest places in the world to be a child. Two thirds of the country’s children don’t attend school regularly or at all. Meanwhile, almost 60 per cent of the population are expected to lack access to water and sanitation in 2023, a sharp increase due to conflict-related destruction of infrastructure. Epidemics, including measles, are expected to remain prevalent.
More than anything, the children of Central African Republic desperately need security. The places they go for protection and support – including schools, hospitals and places of worship – are under attack by the armed groups. Hundreds of schools are non-operational as a result of fighting, leaving children even more vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
Central African Republic snapshot
What is UNICEF doing to help?
Despite challenging security and access conditions, UNICEF and partners have continued to respond wherever possible. UNICEF is on the ground supporting efforts to release children from armed groups; reunifying separated or unaccompanied children with their families; providing appropriate psychosocial support to children affected by conflict; addressing preventable childhood illnesses, malaria, HIV and malnutrition; developing sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in underserved areas; and helping children access safe learning spaces and quality education.
UNICEF is prioritizing child-centred, life-saving interventions and risk reduction to support displaced, returning and host community people in the Central African Republic who have been impacted by the enduring crisis, recurring epidemics and natural disasters.
Recent news and features about Central African Republic
Results for children in Central African Republic
*Mid-year results.
