Following a March 2013 military coup, the Central African Republic saw an escalation of violence that often targeted civilians. The conflict escalated when anti-Balaka militant groups faced the ex-Séleka at the end of 2013, reaching unprecedented levels of violence and resulting in human rights abuses on both sides.
It is estimated the conflict produced over 426,200 internally displaced people in CAR, out of whom 60 percent are children. Around 460,500 have sought refuge in neighboring Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo.
It is estimated that over half of CAR’s population need immediate assistance.
The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable. Violence, looting and killings continue in the capital Bangui and other parts of the country. The United Nations has launched a human rights investigation into the violence.
LWF response
Central African Republic
We are assisting internally displaced people (IDPs), affected communities and those returning home in the Nana Mambéré Ouham Pendé prefectures in the west of the country, with a focus on:
Protecting IDPs and vulnerable host communities affected by conflict and trauma
Creating safe conditions for the return of IDPs and refugees, including peace building and social cohesion efforts
Improving access to safe water and proper sanitation
Providing communities with the tools and ability to rebuild their homes
Supporting livelihoods and ensuring basic needs are met
Improving communities’ ability to cope with emergencies
Distributing cash and vouchers
Core activities include rehabilitating water points, offering material assistance, reconstructing shelters, providing psychosocial and livelihood projects, and training local staff and community trainers in emergency preparedness, eg food security, basic water, sanitation and hygiene amenities and health care.
With our partners, we continue to distribute emergency and hygiene kits, agricultural tools and seeds, and rehabilitate water resources and basic sanitation infrastructure.
Coordination
We are coordinating operations with ACT Alliance members and exploring partnerships with UNHCR, UNICEF and WFP. We also work with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic, NGOs and women’s groups.
