The United Nations has raised alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions in the Central African Republic (CAR), where conflict, climate shocks, and dwindling international aid are putting millions at risk.

During a visit to CAR, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya described the crisis as “rapidly deteriorating,” saying families continue to face immense hardship after years of instability, now compounded by a new wave of refugees escaping 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. And I have seen pain. Yesterday was a different level of pain, women whose limbs have been cut, and yet they traveled with their injuries to CAR, because it’s safer here,” said Msuya.

According to UN data, as of 23 March 2025, a total of 42,084 people have fled Sudan into CAR, including 35,724 registered refugees. Many of them are now dependent on humanitarian aid for survival.

“It’s the war that got us here,” said a Sudanese refugee. “We thank NGOs and the Government for the support, but the fact that we don’t farm puts us in trouble.”

Despite pockets of improved security, millions across CAR remain displaced, food insecure, and in urgent need of protection and essential services. In areas still affected by violence and the impact of climate change, humanitarian needs remain critical.

Msuya urged the international community to step up funding and support for relief operations to prevent the crisis from escalating further.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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