Central African Republic Hosts Over 700,000 Refugees and Asylum-Seekers DATELINE: Bangui, Central African Republic – July 17, 2026 LEAD: As of June 30, 2026, the Central African Republic (CAR) has become a host to over 739,747 refugees and asylum-seekers, with the majority originating from neighboring countries, according to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). NUT GRAF: The influx of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the country has been driven by ongoing political instability and conflict, leading to a complex humanitarian crisis.
The UNHCR, in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees (CNR), is tasked with the reception, registration, and follow-up of refugees, despite facing resource constraints.
The majority of refugees in CAR are from Cameroon (38. 2%), Chad (19. 1%), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (36.
2%). This regional displacement has placed significant strain on neighboring countries, as they bear the brunt of hosting the displaced population.
The Central African Republic is also experiencing a significant number of internally displaced persons, with an estimated 428,227 individuals displaced within the country as of March 31, 2026.
This figure underscores the severity of the internal displacement crisis, which is often overshadowed by the international refugee narrative.
The UNHCR’s infographic indicates that there were 61,321 refugees and asylum-seekers in CAR as of May 31, 2026, with the majority originating from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, South Sudan, and Rwanda. This data provides a visual representation of the scale of the crisis and the diversity of the affected populations.
The regional response to the Central African Republic crisis is highlighted by the UNHCR data, which shows the significant burden placed on neighboring countries. This has led to calls for increased international support and resources to address the humanitarian needs of the displaced population. Experts have noted that the impact of the refugee crisis extends beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns.
It also has economic implications for host countries, as they must accommodate the needs of the displaced population while managing their own resources.
The Central African Republic’s ongoing instability and conflict have created a complex and challenging situation for both the government and the international community.
The UNHCR’s efforts to coordinate the response and provide assistance are commendable, but the scale of the crisis necessitates a more comprehensive and coordinated approach.
KICKER: As the Central African Republic continues to face political instability and conflict, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
The future of the country and its displaced population hinges on the effectiveness of the response and the commitment of the global community to support sustainable solutions.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
