Central African Republic — humanitarian situation

The security and humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic deteriorated significantly in May 2026 due to heightened conflict dynamics, particularly in the southeastern regions, cross-border epidemiological threats, and severe weather events (UNFPA). Incidents affecting humanitarian workers increased by 50 percent from April to May, with nine incidents reported in May compared to six in April, bringing the January-May 2026 total to 36 incidents (OCHA). These incidents included armed robberies, physical assault, movement restrictions, arrests, and interference with humanitarian operations, directly linked to escalating conflict in the southeast. An Ebola outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo poses acute risks to the country's fragile health system (UNFPA). Protection monitoring activities during January-March 2026 covered 16 of the country's 20 prefectures, prioritizing zones with concentrated populations including sites for internally displaced persons, returnees, refugee-hosting areas, and high-risk protection zones (UNHCR). Documented protection incidents include sexual violence and attacks on humanitarian workers (UNFPA). A UN report verified grave violations against children across 23 conflicts globally in 2025, with government forces identified as perpetrators for the first time in the report's history (UN GA/SC). The second meeting of the Tripartite Commission between the DRC, CAR, and UNHCR held in Kinshasa from June 9-11, 2026, reaffirmed commitment to voluntary repatriation of Central African refugees living in DRC and Congolese refugees living in CAR, emphasizing principles of safety, dignity, and sustainability (UNHCR). Access constraints continue to impede humanitarian operations, with movement restrictions and security incidents directly affecting service delivery in multiple prefectures. The convergence of armed group incursions, displacement, protection risks, and public health threats has intensified pressure on an already fragile humanitarian response capacity (UNFPA). Regional funding data as of June 22, 2026, indicates ongoing resource challenges across West and Central Africa (OCHA).