Retour

Refugee Problem in the Central African Republic

By Karen Ann Sullivan | LNC

(Bangui, June 17, 2026 | Lamine Media) World Refugee Day will be celebrated on June 20. Meanwhile, a press conference organized by the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangui provided a clear picture: 57,450 refugees and asylum seekers are currently living in the Central African Republic, primarily from Sudan, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It should be noted that the CNR was established in 1986 and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. It plays a central role in the protection, assistance, and search for durable solutions for refugees. Its secretary, Ervey Zouaka, explained its role: "The refugee situation we are presenting today deserves the utmost humanitarian attention." The presence of refugees is not inevitable, but rather an opportunity for endogenous development, supported by partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Of the 57,450 refugees and asylum seekers registered in the Central African Republic (CAR), 12,000 have long-standing protection. Another 50,000 are Sudanese, Chadian, and Congolese refugees who arrived recently due to regional crises. In addition, 650,000 Central Africans are refugees in neighboring countries. The sheer scale of these figures illustrates the immense humanitarian challenge that must be addressed. Since the country is unable to cope with this growing influx alone, it desperately needs increased support from the international community. However, global budgetary constraints threaten the capacity to provide assistance, but the CAR refuses to accept this situation as inevitable. Ervey Zouaka stated: “The Central African government is advocating for the continued attention and commitment of the international community. The presence of refugees can be an opportunity to promote the merit, skills, and resilience of refugees living in the Central African Republic.” The UNHCR Representative in the Central African Republic, William Chemaly, placed this day in a global perspective: “This year marks 75 years since governments agreed on a simple promise: every person fleeing war or persecution will find open arms, will find refuge. This is a promise that the Central African Republic keeps to its neighbors, and from which Central Africans continue to benefit in their neighboring countries.” He added: “We are moving from a phase of assistance to a phase of solutions that contribute to development. Adapting and reorganizing does not mean disengagement. UNHCR will continue to support the National Refugee Commission (CNR) and the authorities to transform host areas into areas of inclusion and development.” “Thus, the usual humanitarian emergency will become, for the reception of refugees, a dynamic of sustainable development. Reception areas, like Birao, are destined to become hubs of inclusion, with investments in public services, infrastructure, and community projects.”

For: LAMINE MÉDIA (in FR and GB)

Date: June 17, 2026

Copyright ©: 2013 - 2026 All rights reserved: LAMINE MEDIA