The United Nations has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR), where ongoing conflict, climate shocks, and declining international aid are putting millions of lives at risk.
During a visit to the country, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya described the situation as “rapidly deteriorating,” noting that families are struggling to survive after years of instability, now worsened by the influx of refugees fleeing violence in neighbouring Sudan.
“Yesterday I spent a few hours with the Sudanese refugees in Birao, a community of 16,000 Central Africans hosting 27,000 Sudanese refugees. Fifty-six percent of them are women and children,” Msuya said. “I have seen pain—women whose limbs have been cut, yet they travelled with their injuries to CAR because it’s safer here.”
According to UN data, as of March 23, 2025, a total of 42,084 people have fled Sudan into CAR, including 35,724 registered refugees, many of whom now rely entirely on humanitarian assistance.
“It’s the war that got us here,” said one Sudanese refugee. “We thank NGOs and the government for their support, but the fact that we don’t farm puts us in trouble.”
Despite some improvements in security, millions across CAR remain displaced, food insecure, and in dire need of protection and essential services. In areas still affected by conflict and climate impacts, humanitarian needs remain severe.
Msuya called on the international community to increase funding and support for relief efforts, warning that without urgent action, the crisis could escalate further.
