Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet: Focus on the Central…

The Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet for the Central African Republic outlines that the country faces significant challenges due to climate change and ongoing security concerns. Key factors contributing to vulnerability include weak governance, resource mismanagement, and conflict among various factions. Recommendations for international engagement to improve resilience and security are provided in the document.

The Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet for the Central African Republic (CAR), released in October 2024, highlights the interlinked challenges of climate change and security that the nation faces. The CAR is exceptionally susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change due to a confluence of socioecological vulnerabilities and ongoing conflicts. Contributing factors include weak state governance, inadequate management of natural resources, and limited resilience at both household and community levels. While the security landscape has exhibited some improvements in recent years, it remains precarious, characterized by consistent confrontations between various factions, including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) and self-defense groups, alongside government forces and allied mercenaries like the Wagner Group, now operating as Africa Corps. The recently changing climate patterns, coupled with instability in the nearby Sahel and Great Lakes regions, have driven pastoralists to advance their seasonal migrations into CAR, resulting in escalated tensions within local communities. Furthermore, the ramifications of the conflict in Sudan have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in CAR, particularly impacting the Vakaga and Haute-Kotto prefectures. To tackle these pressing issues, the fact sheet lays out several recommended actions for the international community to engage effectively and support the Central African Republic in overcoming these critical challenges.

The Central African Republic has long struggled with the consequences of both environmental change and insecurity. The interplay of weak governance, historical conflicts, and climate-related vulnerabilities has compounded the country’s difficulty in seeking stability and sustainable development. The aforementioned issues have detrimental implications for local communities, which often rely on natural resources for their livelihood but face increasing pressures from environmental degradation and hostility from armed groups. This fact sheet serves to inform stakeholders about the urgent necessity for a coordinated response that addresses both climate adaptation and improved security in CAR.

In summary, the Central African Republic continues to navigate the complex challenges posed by climate change intertwined with security issues. As outlined in the Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet, there is a clear need for an integrated approach by the international community to enhance resilience, support governance, and address humanitarian needs. Failure to act could further destabilize the region and exacerbate the vulnerabilities faced by its inhabitants.

Original Source: reliefweb.int