Central Africa continues to face unprecedented humanitarian challenges, including armed conflict, mass population displacement, food insecurity and natural disasters. In response to these multiple challenges, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is playing an increasingly important role in coordinating and managing humanitarian crises in Central Africa.
In Central Africa, the humanitarian crisis persists, exacerbated by armed conflicts, mass population movement, food insecurity and natural disasters. Faced with these complex challenges, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is strengthening its role in crisis coordination and management. The regional organisation is asserting its leadership by implementing several strategic actions.
“I fully appreciate the responsibility that falls upon me as I take up the torch of this noble mission at a time when our sub-region continues to face immense humanitarian challenges. The CAC’s participation in this forum illustrates our firm commitment to working alongside UNHCR and all international partners to respond to the challenges posed by forced displacement. The CAC remains committed to combating apathy and finding durable solutions for forcibly displaced persons.”
Ézéchiel Nibigira, President of the Economic Community of Central African States – Burundi
In December 2024, Central Africa had more than 11.2 million displaced persons, according to figures from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This number includes 8.2 million internally displaced persons and more than 2.6 million refugees and asylum seekers. These massive population movements are mainly attributable to ongoing conflicts in the Central African Republic and eastern DRC, as well as terrorist attacks in the Lake Chad basin. Natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, further exacerbate this already precarious situation.
“ In conclusion, permit me to reaffirm the CAC’s willingness to strengthen its political and institutional support. This support will take the form of increased mobilisation of its Member States, enhanced regional coordination and the sharing of good practices in order to ensure effective protection and durable solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons in our sub-region. At present, Rwanda hosts nearly 137,000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.”
Ézéchiel Nibigira, President of the Economic Community of Central African States – Burundi
In February 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, heads of state approved the adoption of the ECCAS humanitarian policy strategy document. This text provides for the creation of a regional humanitarian policy and a protocol for the establishment of the Humanitarian Assistance Fund (FAH), initially decided in 2023. The operationalisation of the Central African Climate Application and Forecasting Centre (CAPC-AC), an essential tool for anticipating disasters and reducing their impact, was also at the centre of discussions.
“90% of these refugees live in refugee camps scattered throughout the country and depend on humanitarian assistance. Despite the pressure on our limited national resources, Rwanda has always followed its open-door policy and remains committed to ensuring that those forced to flee can find safety and dignity within our borders.”
Albert Murasira, Minister of Emergency Management, Major General (retired) – RWANDA
Par son leadership régional, la CEEAC devient un acteur clé de la gouvernance humanitaire en Afrique centrale, en s’impliquant à la fois sur les plans institutionnel, diplomatique et opérationnel. Son engagement reste essentiel pour répondre aux besoins humanitaires croissants dans une région marquée par des vulnérabilités persistantes.
Through its regional leadership, ECCAS is becoming a key player in humanitarian governance in Central Africa, with involvement at the institutional, diplomatic and operational levels. Its commitment remains essential to meeting growing humanitarian needs in a region marked by persistent vulnerabilities.
