ACTED opened its mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2007 in response to internal violence in the country. ACTED teams are mobilized in Ouham Pendé, Ouaka, Basse Kotto, Mbomou, Haut Mbomou as well as in Bangui to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable, support displaced populations and to strengthen the resilience of populations and local authorities. Rapid response mechanisms to emergencies are currently deployed in CAR as well as integrated support programming for the sustainable return of displaced persons, and resilience building.
In 2013, the Central African Republic (CAR) faced an unprecedented military and political crisis. Agricultural production in CAR has since fallen and 30% of the population is food insecure. The population has limited access to medical care as well as benefits from poor water and sanitation infrastructure. With dramatic consequences: 2.9 millions of people are ine need for humanitarian aid and 1.8 millions suffer from food insecurity. CAR is ranked second to last in the human development index (HDI).
While the situation has started improving in 2016, late 2017 was unfortunately marked by an upsurge in violence between armed groups in the North and South of the country. Conflict- affected populations usually flee towards areas deemed safe, where they stay until the situation stabilizes, with waiting time that can be anywhere from a few days to, in some cases, a few years. These safe areas are often rural regions with limited facilities to support displaced populations.
In July 2019, approximately 595000 persons were internally displaced in CAR. The regular tensions increase the already important needs of local communities. Access to shelter, water, hygiene, sanitation and education as well as food security and livelihood issues are daily challenges for these populations. In addition, an Ebola epidemy broke out and is finally officially recognist by the World Health Organization.
ACTED has been present in the CAR since 2007, implementing programs that not only respond to the country’s humanitarian emergencies, but also provide support to communities and the local authorities in initiating long-term sustainable development. The NGO is mobilized throughout 6 provinces : Ouham Pendé, Ouaka, Basse Kotto, Mbomou, Haut Mbomou and Bangui.
ACTED’s programme strategy in CAR is based on the following 3 approaches: