Central African Republic

For over a decade, the Central African Republic has faced chronic instability characterised by military and political conflicts. These have significantly affected the country at all levels. The regions located in the North Eastern and North Western corridors of the country have been the epicentres of protracted violence leading to the loss of lives, the displacement of populations and therefore the dismantlement of socio-economic structures.

However, with the signing of the peace pact referred to as Inclusive Political Dialogue between Government and the former rebel groups, in addition to the elections planned in 2010, the Central African Republic is progressively moving towards stability which is a crucial component for communities to engage in development.

Ongoing projects

ACORD's strategy in the Central African Republic in 2010-2011 targets communities that have experienced conflict. The aim is to enhance peace building and socio-economic reintegration of young men and women who have been part of armed rebel groups or involved in armed conflict. The action plan revolves around two main approaches: livelihoods and leadership, as well as capacity development in areas of negotiations among different social sectors.

>> Livelihood development by strengthening community leadership: It is necessary to rebuild the human capital and reactivate community and social synergies. This can create space for the re-emergence of credible local leadership that are capable of participating actively and responsibly in addressing the challenges of physical, social and economic reconstruction. We will also strengthen capacities of development actors in building local mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation.

>> Strengthen mechanisms of negotiation and interaction among civil society actors and between the civil society and the public to re-establish the space where communities can enjoy freedoms. This intervention will contribute to strengthening the citizen involvement in development issues thus adding legitimacy and credibility to the leadership structure. All for the benefit of millions of populations, the approach will nurture responsible participation from different sectors of the society. The main entry points have been identified to enhance the intervention success :
- Peace building through dialogue to provide a secure environment where development projects can be implemented
- Decentralisation of service delivery and community cohesion
- Economic governance including development of the agricultural sector, the wood industry, tea and cotton production and other economic resources.

Where we work in Central African Republic

ACORD is based in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. We plan to open a satellite office at Bossangoa, the main hub within Ouham region, and target Ouham, Ouham Pende and Ombella Mpoko.

View ACORD in the Central African Republic in a larger map

Our partners in the Central African Republic

A partnership development initiative is currently underway and will enable ACORD to build its networks and intervention support systems to reach local communities as well as to receive support including financial and material resources. CCFD - Terre Solidaire has been supporting our pilot interventions.

Photos, videos and publications

Photos of ACORD's work in CAR can be sent upon request by writing to communications@acordinternational.org.

How you can support communities in the Central African Republic

With over 72% of the population in the country living in a situation of post-conflict, your support to our projects in the Central African Republic can significantly make a difference for a mother who seeks the means to support her family or an orphan who has been left with the responsibility of providing for his or her siblings. Your support can also contribute towards creating awareness about conflict transformation among the population at large.

For more information on our work in the Central African Republic please sign up to our newsletter, visit your nearest ACORD office or call us.