In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR) has witnessed a significant influx of refugees. Three years since the start of the regional crisis, the UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, and OCHA are calling for urgent action, as the 2026 Sudan Refugee Response Plan in CAR is only 11 per cent funded. The situation is dire, with over 35,000 Sudanese refugees arriving in CAR since April 2023, many of whom have settled in the border town of Birao, Vakaga prefecture.
Birao, once a peaceful community, has seen its population nearly doubled by the arrival of refugees, placing immense pressure on the local resources and infrastructure. The UN agencies and their partners are working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance, including protection, food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood support. Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in ensuring that both refugees and host communities have access to the basic services they need.
The resilience of the Sudanese refugees is evident in the contributions they are making to the communities around them. Many have taken on roles as teachers, health workers, engineers, scholars, and entrepreneurs, helping to rebuild lives and support the local population. Adam and Wifak, a Sudanese refugee couple, exemplify this spirit.
They arrived in CAR in 2023 and have since opened a bakery, introducing Sudanese bread to the local community. Their bakery has become a hub for neighbors to gather, share stories, and enjoy tea and coffee.
However, the hope for peace remains the central desire for many. Felix Ackebo, UNICEF Representative to CAR, stated, “The deepest desire of many children and young Sudanese in the Central African Republic is for peace and to return home.”The UN agencies are committed to providing solutions that build long-term resilience for the refugees and support the host communities that have generously welcomed them.
Abdoulaye Sawadogo, Head of OCHA in CAR, emphasized the importance of effective coordination and international commitment. “At a time when resources are increasingly limited, effective coordination remains the best guarantee of impact, “he. The 2026 Sudan Refugee Response Plan, which requires 55 million USD, is currently facing significant funding challenges. The resilience of the Sudanese refugees and the solidarity of the host communities are clear, but a sustained and strong commitment from the international community is needed to ensure that life-saving assistance continues and that hope can turn into lasting solutions.
Source: reliefweb
Original author: UN Children's Fund
