Central African Republic

Working environment

• In 2015, the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) remained volatile, with violent incidents occurring on a regular basis, both in the capital, Bangui, and in the rural areas. While the situation stabilized in the capital in the first half of the year, renewed incidents from September through November resulted in an increase in the numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bangui, and in the Bambari and Kaga Bandoro areas. In addition, the increased activity of the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) in the Haute-Kotto and Haute-Mbomou areas triggered displacement in an area previously considered relatively stable. 
• Despite the fragile security environment, the CAR transitional authorities, with the support of the international community, organized presidential and legislative elections. UNHCR facilitated the participation of CAR refugees in Cameroun, Chad and the Republic of Congo, allowing some 33,000 eligible refugees to vote in the first round, and 22,000 to vote in the second round. 
• The possible facilitated return of refugees was considered, but this would have required a significant improvement of the situation in the CAR. UNHCR planned to coordinate possible returns under tripartite arrangements and to invest in sustainable reintegration once the preconditions for a safe and dignified return were in place. 
• Localized conflict near the border and elsewhere in the country resulted in new displacements and limited humanitarian access. Lack of administrative, judicial and law enforcement capacity created a vacuum of authority at the provincial level, fostering a climate of impunity. The upsurge in violent attacks from September through November in Bangui, which was also directed at humanitarian agencies, led to the evacuation of NGO staff and further hindered aid interventions.  

Population trends 

• From January through August, internal displacement initially decreased, with some 370,000 IDPs recorded at the end of this period. By year end, however, there was a slight increase in the numbers of IDPs when compared to the previous year; numbers rose to about 450 000. The increase was due to incidents which took place from September through November in Bangui.
• A slight decrease in the numbers of refugees (7,327) was also recorded, due to the repatriation of 800 Congolese (DRC) refugees residing in Zemio. The relocation of 1,800 Sudanese residing in Bambari to a third country was planned, as their security in the refugee camp could not be guaranteed, but no relocation country could be identified. A new influx from South Sudan was also recorded at the end of December 2015 to Bambouti, an area in eastern CAR which is difficult to access by road.
• In the course of 2015, spontaneous refugee returns from Cameroun and Chad were observed in the border areas, with as many as 20,000 returning to their places of origin.

Achievements and impact

• Some 2,500 referrals were made, 1,200 of which were for SGBV survivors requiring protection and assistance, including health care and/or legal assistance.
• 2,800 survivors of human rights violations received psychosocial assistance at 10 listening centres, which cover six prefectures (seven fixed and three mobile).
• Awareness-raising sessions on housing, land and property rights reached some 18,700 IDPs.
• 34,000 IDPs and returnee households deemed most vulnerable were provided with emergency shelter kits and core relief items.
• Repatriation of 800 Congolese (DRC) refugees residing in Zemio. 
• Multi-sector assistance was provided to all refugees in Zemio and Bambari camps despite security and logistical constraints. 

Unmet needs

• Protection monitoring could not cover all prefectures affected by the crisis, the coverage was gradually increased during the year but did not reach all affected populations. 
• Although lack of shelter was identified as a major impediment to the return of IDPs, UNHCR could only support a small number of the people in need. 
• Lack of funds did not allow the Office to have protection partners in all displacement sites. A holistic response to SGBV survivors could not be offered in all areas because lack of appropriate services in health and legal aid. 

Working environment 

A history of military coups and rebellion in the Central African Republic (CAR) has caused a sustained economic crisis in the country and impacted negatively on the national institutions’ capacity to provide services and protection to the population. The current humanitarian emergency follows two years of political disputes, which have led to instability and widespread violence perpetrated by two opposing groups.

Since December 2013, approximately 25 per cent of CAR’s population has been internally displaced by the con­flict, which has divided the country along ethno-religious lines. At the peak of the unrest in early 2014, more than 930,000 people were displaced. More than half of the population is still in need of humanitarian assistance. Simultaneously, this con­flict has had a regional impact, more than 190,000 Central African refugees having fled to Cameroon, Chad, the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since December 2013.

In August 2014, approximately 508,000 people remained internally displaced in CAR – a decrease on previous figures – and the refugee in­flux in neighbouring countries had stabilized. However, daily violent clashes continue to displace thousands already living in dire conditions. As opposing factions control vast areas and armed groups splinter, the situation is increasingly complex and unpredictable.

The presence of armed groups affects and limits humanitarian interventions. The looting of warehouses and aid convoys, threats to aid workers, and general insecurity, prevent humanitarian actors from fully deploying to rural areas and can lead to a temporary suspension of their activities.

The arrival of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in September 2014 to replace the African Union force will have a stabilizing impact but its full deployment is expected to take time. Eventually, it is expected to pave the way for the Government to strengthen its institutions, leading to the restoration of basic services.

While the ongoing crisis has had an impact on the mainly Congolese (DRC) and Sudanese refugees, with some 6,000 Congolese refugees having opted to return to their country, the government position on asylum remains constructive.

Needs and strategies

UNHCR, in close collaboration with government counterparts and partners, will continue to provide multi-sectoral assistance and durable solutions to refugees in rural and urban areas in 2015. The possible impact of the ongoing crisis on the protection and assistance needs of refugees will be closely monitored. Advocacy for a national status determination system and discussion on possible local integration opportunities will be taken up with the authorities when political stability has been attained and relevant administrative structures are fully functional.

The main challenge in 2015 will remain responding to the protection and assistance needs of the displaced population. The Office will continue its engagement with the displaced and co-lead the protection, shelter/NFI, as well as camp coordination and camp management (CCCM) clusters.

While it is expected that the arrival and deployment of international peacekeepers will bring a certain level of stability to the country and encourage the IDPs to return to their areas of origin, continued tension and instability will present a challenge to the national authorities, as they seek to fully control the country and decentralize assistance services. UNHCR and partners will play an important role in monitoring the protection situation of displaced and returnees. In the most affected areas, shelter support and domestic items will be provided to the vulnerable.