The CAR Humanitarian Fund allocates $13M to support innovative approaches for the most vulnerable.

Staff Reporter

The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Central African Republic, Mohamed Ag Ayoya has earmarked 13 million US dollars from the Humanitarian Fund to meet the pressing humanitarian needs of around 150,000 internally displaced people, returnees, and their host communities in the southeast region of the country, as well as other difficult-to-access and underserved areas.

This funding is intended to encourage innovative strategies by addressing multiple sectors and integrating responses, with a focus on child protection and gender-based violence. It also prioritizes accountability to those affected and the localization of humanitarian assistance.

The region in the southern part of the country, specifically Haut-Mbomou, has experienced a worsening security and humanitarian situation since March 2023, adding to the existing conflict in the area. Armed factions engaging in conflict within communities and competing for resources have had a devastating impact on the population.

Numerous individuals in remote locations were facing a prolonged lack of crucial support, putting them at risk of increased vulnerability, especially in the areas of healthcare, access to clean water, emergency housing, and nutrition. After three years of challenging access, humanitarian organizations finally reached the population of Yalinga, located in the eastern town, by road this year.

The suffering of families in the southeast, including parents and other members of the community, has resulted in deaths and the displacement of thousands in search of safety. While they deserve relief, merely providing support ourselves will not be enough.

By 2023, 3. 4 million people in Central Africa are facing extreme vulnerability. In order to effectively tackle the long-standing crisis in Central Africa, it is essential for humanitarian efforts to coordinate with development initiatives and other stakeholders.

This allocation specifically highlights the advancements in localizing efforts within the country. National humanitarian organizations have received direct funding to carry out humanitarian projects and programs to enhance the capabilities of other national and local NGOs. The 2023 humanitarian response is placing strategic emphasis on localization, as seen in the increase of direct funding to national organizations by the Humanitarian Fund from 7% to 24%. This approach will also make it easier to reach people in remote locations who are in need.

The distribution will enhance accountability to those affected by implementing mobile feedback systems. The foundation of the humanitarian response in CAR has always been centered around accountability. The evaluation of the requirements for 2024 heavily relied on engaging the impacted individuals, consulting with 28,000 households nationwide.

The designated funds will focus on assisting the most at-risk communities in the regions of Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Mbomou, Kémo, Nana-Gribizi, Ouham, and Ouaka.