CAR: The humanitarian community calls for urgent support to assist 1.3 million people in 2026.

PRESS RELEASE

Launch of the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan for the Central African Republic

Bangui, 5 February 2026 – The Central African Government and the humanitarian community in the Central African Republic (CAR) today launched an appeal for US$ 264.1 million to assist 1.3 million of the most vulnerable Central Africans, as part of the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan. In a context marked by shocks that drive humanitarian needs—conflict, epidemics, and climate disasters—humanitarian assistance remains a lifeline for 2.3 million people, or 35 per cent of the population.

"Every day without funding puts more lives at risk. In a country where physical access remains extremely limited, late contribution may mean assistance that will never arrive,” said Mohamed Ag Ayoya, Humanitarian Coordinator for CAR. ”We call on the international community to renew its commitment to the Central African people. International solidarity, now more than ever, cannot wait. "

Population movements, including the arrival of Sudanese refugees and the return of Central African refugees, are exacerbating needs in some regions, particularly in the priority sectors identified by affected communities during consultations, namely water, hygiene and sanitation, food security, and health.

In an international context where the will to alleviate human suffering has shifted to other priorities, while needs are increasing, humanitarian actors in CAR have had to resort to hyper-prioritization. This approach allowed to focus resources on areas where vital needs are most acute, in case the minimum level of funding hoped for is not reached. However, the amount required in 2026—$264.1 million—is the lowest level of funding in the last seven years, an alarming sign given the scale of needs. “I would like to thank the donors who, despite challenging times we are going through, have continued to support us in providing life-saving assistance to those who need it most,” said the Humanitarian Coordinator.

In 2025, US$ 116.9 million – only 36 per cent of required funding – was mobilized thanks to the generosity of donors, enabling life-saving assistance for 887,000 of the most vulnerable people, or 50 per cent of the target. However, those who received assistance got only minimal support due to insufficient resources.
“We face impossible choices. Reducing aid in areas where needs are most acute is a decision no one should have to make,” the Humanitarian Coordinator emphasized. “With adequate funding, we can save more lives, further stabilize communities, and support essential recovery efforts to reduce recurring crises.” The decline in funding in 2025 has already severely affected operational presence, with the closure of 116 humanitarian bases, including in areas with highest levels of need.

Strengthened coordination with the Government and development actors also remains a priority to preserve gains, reduce risks, and build community resilience. “CAR and its partners cannot afford to lose the progress made in recent years. We need immediate and sustained support to protect lives and support prospects of millions of Central Africans,” the Humanitarian Coordinator concluded.