UN seeks immediate support to meet needs of Sudanese refugees in CAR
Bangui, CAR (PANA) - Without "immediate and sustained" international support, Sudanese refugees in the Central African Republic (CAR) risk facing "an unprecedented humanitarian crisis", United Nations agencies warned on Tuesday.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are warning of an imminent shortage of emergency assistance for the growing number of Sudanese refugees unless urgent funding of nearly $15 million is quickly secured to support more than 30,000 refugees in 2025, UN News said.
Despite continued efforts by WFP, UNHCR, the Central African Government and partners to find durable solutions, refugees remain largely dependent on humanitarian assistance.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that requires immediate and sustained international support,” said Fafa Attidzah, UNHCR Representative in CAR.
“Refugees need access to essential protection services and life-saving assistance. Acting now is crucial to prevent further suffering.”
Since the start of the crisis in Sudan in 2023, the number of Sudanese refugees in CAR has increased sharply, with around 31,000 people seeking refuge, particularly in Vakaga prefecture. More than 17,000 of them are in Korsi (Birao), while around 14,000 others are scattered in other prefectures that are difficult to access.
The country saw a significant 90% increase in the number of refugees in 2024 compared to arrivals in 2023. In the extremely isolated Vakaga prefecture, 46% of the population is food insecure and 89% of households cannot afford a healthy diet.
Since the beginning of 2025, WFP has provided food assistance to nearly 20,000 Sudanese refugees in the areas of Birao, Korsi, Kaga-Bandoro, Ndélé, Pombolé and Rafaï.
Without sufficient funding, WFP may be forced to reduce or stop food distributions to refugees, which could worsen their food insecurity and vulnerability.
This situation would have irreversible consequences for the immediate survival and long-term prospects of refugees, increasing tensions with host communities due to competition for already scarce resources.
Under these conditions, the inadequate response exposes Sudanese refugees to serious protection risks, lack of shelter and education, as well as increased risk of food insecurity and malnutrition. In addition, pressure is increasing on already vulnerable host communities, stretching limited resources that were already insufficient before the refugees arrived.
“Despite our dwindling resources, we cannot remain insensitive or inactive, especially when these food-insecure refugees depend on us for what is sometimes their only meal of the day. The food provided by WFP is vital for these vulnerable families,” said Aline Samu, WFP Deputy Representative in CAR.
UNHCR and WFP are calling on the international community to mobilise financial support to respond effectively to this crisis and help the Central African government better manage the situation.
-0- PANA MA 12Feb2025
