UNDP, Central African Republic inaugurate rebuilt infrastructure after decades of conflict

President Faustin Archange Touadera and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Central African Republic celebrated the inauguration of rebuilt socio-economic infrastructure in Bossangoa on October 12.

This is coming after decades of conflict that led to the displacement of over one million people.

In a statement on Thursday, the UNDP said the milestone marks a key achievement of the organisation’s stabilisation programme made possible through collaborative efforts with the government and key partners like Japan, the European Union, South Korea, and the African Development Bank.

The global organisation said the project restores state authority, helping vulnerable communities regain normalcy.

“The Central African Republic, ranked among the poorest nations globally in 2018, has begun its recovery and development trajectory. Decades of conflict, which displaced over 1 million people, have given way to progress. Security and infrastructure development have enabled the return of 227,000 displaced individuals, with over 95 % of administrative officials now in place,” the statement reads.

“The UNDP Stabilisation Programme, in partnership with the government, builds upon security gains achieved by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and state security forces. This programme delivers a comprehensive package of social services, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities to conflict-affected communities, fostering the social contract between the State and its citizens. By addressing interconnected needs, it lays the groundwork for sustainable peace and long-term development.”

The UNDP added that five new buildings were unveiled, including administrative offices and a reconstructed market with solar-powered water and lighting systems, benefiting over 40,000 people.

The organisation stated that this marks a new era for regional services, strengthening security, justice, access to essential services, and revitalising the local economy.

“The Stabilisation Programme plays a key role in preparing the ground for development, by strengthening the presence and authority of the State, improving the living conditions of our citizens, and fostering national cohesion and harmony,” Touadera said.

In addition to stabilisation, the UNDP said it is providing key elements for consolidating the development process in CAR, which include justice and security, local elections, administration and education.

The UNDP further said this involves a special criminal court to address serious crimes and human rights violations.

“UNDP supports the first local elections in over 30 years, restoration of the civil registration system, made possible with funding from the EU, promotes inclusive democratic participation and literacy training centers, with funding from Japan, serves over 2,000 adults,” the UN agency noted.

Jean-Luc Stalon, resident representative of UNDP in the Central African Republic, said: “Security provides the foundation, but stabilisation paves the way for lasting peace by addressing underlying social, economic, and governance needs, ensuring peace endures.”

Building on this milestone, the government of the Central African Republic and the European Union reaffirm their commitment to supporting the stabilisation programme, with plans to elaborate and achieve an expanded long-term program aligned with the country’s new national development agenda.