The occupation of main roads by rebel groups negatively affects the country's supply

Since the Central African Republic presidential election results were announced in December 2020, armed opposition groups continue inciting violence in several of the country's prefectures in protest of the election. According to the government and UNHCR, more than 120,000 people have been internally displaced or fled across the border into Cameroon. The escalating conflict has also caused humanitarian actors to reduce relief efforts or suspend food assistance in almost all of the country's prefectures.

Since mid-December 2020, stocks of imported products in most markets have considerably reduced due to blockades along the country's main supply route (Bangui-Douala) by opposition groups and the border's closure Cameroon. Similarly, efforts by armed groups to restrict movement within the country have prevented the flow of goods between production areas and urban centers, ultimately increasing food prices. Especially in Bangui, maize, cassava, rice, and oil prices are above prices for the same time last year. However, cassava and maize prices still decreased by 25 and 29 percent, respectively, compared to last year. The price of imported rice remains high but generally stable.

Access to fields and other typical income opportunities has decreased across the Central African Republic due to the resurgence and high level of conflict and sustained internal displacement. Reduced population movements have disrupted market functioning and food access in production areas, while the decline of intercity transportation coupled with the curfew and state of emergency are negatively affecting jobs, especially in urban centers. Many poor households in cities, areas with a high presence of IDPs, and localities affected by flooding face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes as humanitarian assistance decreases and they continue to have lower than usual purchasing power.​