Central African Republic
Following many years of conflict, the Central African Republic now aspires to peace and development. In this still fragile country, marked by extreme poverty, the SDC works to protect civilians and improve basic primary healthcare, and is active in peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Context Central African Republic
A peace and reconciliation agreement was signed in the Central African Republic in 2019. Although the overall situation has since stabilised, the problem of insecurity and violence perpetrated by armed groups persists. Public services are limited, especially outside of Bangui, and almost two thirds of the population relies on humanitarian aid.
Switzerland has provided humanitarian aid since the 1990s, with a regular financial commitment since 2013, which at first was coordinated from N’Djamena (Chad), then Yaoundé (Cameroon), and now from a humanitarian office in Bangui which opened in 2022. This permanent presence allows the SDC to maintain an active dialogue with the authorities, civil society and various partners. Its activities focus on the protection of civilians and upholding international humanitarian law and human rights, while supporting the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
Peace and reconciliation
Through Fondation Hirondelle, the SDC supports the local station Radio Ndeke Luka. This independent station is one of the few to cover the whole country, even in times of crisis. Ndeke Luka produces and broadcasts trustworthy news that promotes peaceful coexistence in the Central African Republic. This contribution supplements the support Switzerland provides to the Special Criminal Court (SCC), set up in the Central African Republic in 2015 to investigate and prosecute serious human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law committed in the country since 1 January 2003.
Basic services
Since 2023, Switzerland has co-financed a World Bank programme that aims to transform and build capacity in the national health system. The SDC’s contribution helps finance the training and specialisation of health workers (in medical and paramedical settings) in order to improve healthcare services in the Central African Republic, particularly in under-resourced parts of the country.
Coordination of humanitarian aid and access
The situation in the Central African Republic remains fragile. The country is still one of the world’s most dangerous for humanitarian actors, and access to people in need is significantly hindered. In this context, respect for international humanitarian law by all armed forces and groups is a priority for Switzerland. In addition, the SDC works to improve collaboration between national and international humanitarian agencies and supports the professionalisation of civil society organisations in the Central African Republic through the Maison de services (civil society service centre) in Bangui and in other cities across the country.
Approach and main partners
The Swiss humanitarian office in the Central African Republic operates through selected partnerships with national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), according to the needs and the specific context in the Central African Republic (nexus). It pays particular attention to empowering local organisations and national and local authorities. It aims to support these authorities so that they can offer high-quality basic services throughout the country. Switzerland strives to improve the coordination of humanitarian aid and development in the Central African Republic and advocates for the respect of international humanitarian law.
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern