The ongoing crisis in the CAR has started in 2013 when the armed group Seleka forced its way to power. Ever since local population has been immersed in social, economic, and humanitarian crises. The latter had a negative impact on
the life of inhabitants leading to mass migrations – both internally and externally. According to the Human Development Index (HDI), the CAR has ranked 188 out of 189 countries on the list.
Socio-economic indicators:
One of the main effects of the crisis in the CAR is mass displacement. Following the data collected by Humanitarian Response (HNO) from 2020 every 1 out of 5 people in the CAR was displaced. Children amount for almost 50% of IDPs. According to WHO they need special assistance, mainly when it comes to food provision, personal safety, and education. Children are the main victims of this conflict as they amount for up to 53% of the population in humanitarian crisis. The data provided by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA):1 in 3 kids in the CAR suffers from malnutrition;43% of the families are affected by famine;only 54% of the households have access to drinking water (UNICEF) – it is necessary to mention that rivers and natural water sources are also considered ‘drinking water’;According to the INFORM Global Risk Index 2020, the CAR scored 8,6 out of 10 in the countries affected by humanitarian crisis meaning it has been ranked second (just behind Somalia, but before Afghanistan).
Main challenges and government response:
Although the CAR is rich in mineral ores and possesses some touristic value, it is still a country where subsistence farming is still a main source of income for many families. UN has placed it on the Least Developed Countries index (LDC). 75% of the population works in agriculture. It amounts to 58% of country Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated to be 1,7 bln USD. GDP per capita is 700 USD. Yet it is the richest 20% of the population that basically seize 65% of GDP. Until 2016 agriculture was the main source of income (58% GDP), followed by services (30%) and industry (12%). The biggest share of exports is covered by natural resources and provide the country with a yearly benefit of 77 mln USD. These are diamonds and timber. Due to the porous border crossings timber as well as precious stones are trafficked illegally.
In the current situation of economic crisis, the country is unable to provide basic services for its citizens, such as health care, education, and security.
