Central African Republic
In early 2026, the Central African Republic (CAR) remains in a state of "protracted protection crisis." While there has been a marginal decrease in overall security incidents in certain regions, the human rights landscape is dominated by the fallout from a major constitutional shift and the persistent influence of foreign mercenaries.
1. Political Repression and Electoral Integrity
The political climate in 2026 is defined by the aftermath of the 2023 Constitutional Referendum, which removed presidential term limits.
Consolidation of Power: President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s administration has been accused of dismantling democratic checks. In the lead-up to the December 2025/January 2026 elections, opposition parties faced systematic harassment, leading many to boycott the polls entirely.
Cracking Down on Civic Space: In late 2025, the government introduced "foreign agent" legislation (inspired by Russian laws) aimed at tightening control over NGOs and civil society groups receiving international funding.
2. Atrocities by Foreign Paramilitaries (Wagner Group)
Russian paramilitaries (now often referred to as the Africa Corps or Wagner successors) remain a primary source of human rights violations.
Indiscriminate Killings: Throughout 2025 and into early 2026, UN monitors have documented instances where these forces, acting alongside the national army (FACA), carried out extrajudicial executions during counter-insurgency operations.
Economic Exploitation: Mercenaries have been implicated in the seizure of gold and diamond mines. Survivors from mining sites near Bambari and Koki have reported massacres and forced labor used to secure these resources for foreign interests.
3. Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)
Gender-based violence remains a weapon of war used by both state-aligned forces and rebel groups like the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC).
High Reporting Rates: In late 2025, OCHA reported a surge in cases, with over 11,000 reported incidents in the preceding months.
Impunity: Despite the existence of the Special Criminal Court (SCC), most survivors lack access to justice. Many are further victimized by social stigma and a lack of medical care, with only a small fraction receiving the necessary treatment within the critical 72-hour window.
4. Humanitarian Emergency and Displacement
CAR remains one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers and one of the poorest nations globally.
Food Insecurity: As of February 2026, an estimated 2 million people (roughly one-third of the population) face acute food insecurity.
The "Sudan Effect": The ongoing war in neighboring Sudan has driven an influx of over 50,000 refugees into CAR's northeast. This has strained the extremely limited resources of host communities, leading to new intercommunal tensions over water and land.
Internal Displacement: Over 440,000 people remain internally displaced, often living in overcrowded camps with minimal protection from armed incursions.
5. Rights of Children
Children bear a disproportionate burden of the ongoing instability.
Forced Recruitment: UN reports in early 2026 highlight that child recruitment by armed groups remains "alarmingly widespread," particularly in remote eastern regions.
Education Crisis: Approximately 7 out of 10 children do not attend school regularly. Schools are frequently used as temporary military bases by both government-aligned and rebel forces, which prevents them from serving as safe learning environments.