Central African Republic
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- Although conflict, killings, and violence against civilians have stabilized in CAR since the third quarter of 2022, sporadic attacks continue to wreak havoc on civilian populations. The conflict persists particularly in the prefectures of Ouham-Pendé, Haute-Kotto, Vakaga, and Haut-Mboumou. One of the most recent attacks was carried out by members of the 3R rebel group on April 2, 2024, which, according to official sources, resulted in the death of 17 civilians in the commune of Bohong (Ouham-Pendé prefecture).
- April marks the start of the lean season and the rainy season in the south of the country. Limited household food stocks are depleted, and access to remote localities is difficult due to poor road conditions during the rainy season, causing food prices to peak seasonally. In the most insecure areas, many households are facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes. Poor households, refugees, and internally displaced people, whose livelihoods have been eroded by years of conflict, will have to resort to coping strategies such as selling their few remaining assets to try to meet their minimum food needs.
- In March 2024, prices for local rice and corn rose in the Bangui market by 3.8 percent and 16.7 percent, respectively, compared with February 2024. This increase is attributable to low market supply following the drop in farmers' stocks and strong household demand during the lean season. These price rises are particularly significant in markets in areas affected by civil unrest. For example, in the Obo market in the extreme southeast of the country, the price of local rice has risen by 19 percent, while the price of palm oil has risen by 50 percent compared with last month.
Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Central African Republic Key Message Update April 2024: Lean season begins in the south amid persistent conflict and high prices, 2024.
This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.