Central African Republic

Ranked 171st out of 177 on the Human Development Index, the Central African Republic managed during 2005 to leave behind a long period of political and military tensions by holding internationally recognised elections restoring constitutional order. There are many challenges surrounding security, socio-economic indicators, good governance, human rights and the rule of law, and these challenges can only be tackled in an integrated way.

Civil peace has enabled the resumption of Community aid, which had been suspended (with the exception of social projects) since 2003, and aid from other donors. The European Union is the country’s largest donor. It past and present contributions have been focused – under the 9th EDF – on transport and infrastructure, as well as providing budgetary aid and support for institution-building. The 9th EDF Indicative Programme has been dedicated in its entirety to this end, but the implementation of large-scale infrastructures and the reform of State institutions in the Central African Republic remain serious problems. Non-focal programmes for health and rural development have shown the importance of constant investment in these fields and of strengthening non-State participants as regards the provision of basic services, preventing local conflicts and monitoring human rights.

The overall aim of the European Commission’s cooperation with the Central African Republic for 2008-13 is to reduce poverty, in line with the country’s development strategy and the Millennium Development Goals. The current instability of the Central African Republic stems not only from its extremely weak institutions and decentralised structures but also from its internal and regional isolation. As those most vulnerable live mostly inland, particularly around secondary towns, the 9th EDF Indicative Programme will focus on such towns, making them development hubs. While remaining confined to a certain number of sites (limited resources available to address major needs), the Programme will focus on two main priority areas:

a) governance – 1) restoring basic social services for the people in question; 2) re-establishing security; 3) restoring State authority as regards its powers and its obligations; and 4) meeting specific economic and environmental needs;

b) infrastructure and improved accessibility (following on from the 9th EFD)

• maintaining and regenerating existing road infrastructure;
• supporting improved accessibility for the domestic road network;
• developing waterways; and
• regenerating urban infrastructure.

As the Central African Republic is essentially a post-conflict country, appropriate procedures such as LRRD could be implemented. Certain traditional cooperation methods, particularly micro-projects and budgetary support, will be retained and enhanced. Sectoral policy is generally set by the authorities from the PRSP and civil society will be called upon to implement it, which should result in the gradual and coordinated incorporation of the measures set up by the administration.

A substantial amount is earmarked under budgetary support to assist the government in its efforts to maintain macro-economic and social stability and reform public finance management.