Central African Republic

Context

The Central African Republic (CAR), a landlocked country with a population of around 5.7 million, has been facing structural problems for several decades, characterised by the absence of a state presence throughout the country and a sluggish economy that is highly dependent on external influences. This situation is conducive to the proliferation of armed groups (both local and foreign), particularly in areas historically marginalised by the Bangui authorities. The combination of these factors has a direct impact on the living conditions and resilience of the local population, which is exposed to multiple and recurrent crises and shocks (food crises, displacement, armed violence, etc.). In addition, the situation in neighbouring countries – in particular Chad and Sudan – has a direct impact on populations living close to the borders (displacement, conflicts, inflation, etc.).

According to OCHA, an estimated 3.1 million people, or 63% of the Central African population, will be in need of humanitarian assistance by 2023. For more than a decade, the CAR has ranked in the bottom 5 of the Human Development Index (188th out of 191 countries), underscoring the country’s extreme poverty and dependence on humanitarian aid.

TGH in Central African Republic

TGH began operations in CAR in 2007 to meet the needs of Darfur refugees in the Vakaga prefecture in the north-east of the country, before gradually expanding to the Ouaka prefecture (between 2010 and 2022) and Bangui (since 2011).

TGH in CAR carries out development, emergency and post-emergency projects in equal measure, adapting to the needs and changing circumstances of the areas in which it operates.

In Bangui, TGH has been working since 2011 to strengthen and sustain holistic care for street children and detained minors, and to improve young people’s socio-economic opportunities by supporting vocational training structures.

In Vakaga, TGH uses an integrated, multi-sectoral approach in the areas of water, hygiene, sanitation, education, protection, food security and livelihoods, both in response to emergencies and in support of government and parastatal institutions to contribute to local development in the area.