Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) has reportedly entered into a third country removal agreement with the United States following approval of $85 million in U.S. government funding for the International Organization for Migration’s operations in CAR. The terms of this agreement have not been publicly disclosed.

Due to pervasive insecurity, including high levels of unrest, crime, kidnapping, and terrorism, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Travel Advisory for CAR and maintains only a limited diplomatic presence in the country. Armed groups in CAR reportedly continue to commit serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including unlawful killings, physical violence, abductions, sexual violence, looting, and the destruction of property. CAR’s fragile economy and severely limited access to basic services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, further exacerbate the risks faced by individuals returned there.

Driven by the ongoing insecurity and widespread population displacement, CAR is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. More than 1.4 million Central Africans, nearly one third of the population, are forcibly displaced. At the same time, CAR also faces the arrival of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in neighboring countries, such as Sudan, DRC, and Chad.