Central African Republic — humanitarian situation

Central African Republic faces persistent humanitarian challenges driven by ongoing conflict and insecurity, particularly affecting northern and eastern prefectures. Crisis-level food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) persists in Vakaga, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, and Ouham-Pendé, where armed conflict continues to restrict access to agricultural land and livelihoods FEWS NET. Despite generally favorable agroclimatic conditions, reduced cultivated areas in conflict-affected zones threaten production volumes. Between January and July 2026, 64 incidents affected humanitarian workers, with 11 reported in July alone, including armed robbery resulting in four staff injuries and multiple cases of theft and assault OCHA. Insecurity has driven new displacement, with approximately 4,480 internally displaced persons arriving in Gbazara, Ouham-Fafa Prefecture, on 22 April 2026, where living conditions continue to deteriorate OCHA. Protection monitoring conducted between March and May 2026 documented incidents affecting IDPs, Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers in Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou prefectures, including border areas with DRC UNHCR. Displaced populations face acute humanitarian needs with limited response coverage. The 4,480 IDPs in Gbazara have received no food assistance since arrival, severely limiting their ability to meet essential needs OCHA. Water, sanitation, and hygiene services remain inadequate at displacement sites. In Am-Dafock, humanitarian actors provided over 1,000 medical consultations for displaced persons, though broader health access remains constrained OCHA. Market monitoring reveals economic pressures, with the median cost of the minimum expenditure basket decreasing by up to 10 percent in most assessed markets between April and June, though Bangui's three sub-prefectures experienced increases of 16 to 25 percent REACH. Hygiene basket costs rose 18 percent during this period. Regional cholera outbreaks affecting six countries in West and Central Africa, driven by seasonal rains, flooding, and population displacement, pose additional health risks UNICEF. Access constraints significantly hamper humanitarian operations. Insecurity continues limiting humanitarian movements and access to affected populations, particularly in conflict-affected northern and eastern zones where agricultural activities and aid delivery remain restricted. Reduced incident reporting in July, down 35 percent from June, appears linked to decreased humanitarian movements during the rainy season rather than improved security conditions OCHA. The country faces severe shortages of medical specialists, with facilities like Carnot hospital located over 500 kilometers from Bangui relying on telemedicine to support patient care MSF.