The Central African Republic's stabilization gains are opening a critical pathway toward long-term recovery and development, which the international community must continue to consolidate through investments in human capital development and livelihoods.
This was reinforced during a high-level visit of the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdiker, to Bangui from 16 to 22 May 2026, during which he met with H.E. Professor Faustin Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, and other senior Government officials to discuss shared priorities for stabilization, recovery, and development solutions across the country.
"Stabilization is the bridge to development," said Mohammed Abdiker. "When communities can return safely, access basic services, rebuild livelihoods and trust institutions again, the peace dividend becomes real. IOM will continue working with the Government and partners to scale recovery and resilience efforts that help the country deliver on its national ambitions and ensure that people can rebuild their lives with dignity."
The recent launch of the National Development Plan (2024-2028) has marked a pivotal moment in the Central African Republic's trajectory, building on progress made since the April elections, and setting the direction for a more structured recovery anchored in national priorities.
Despite continuing humanitarian needs, the country has made substantive progress in stabilizing key areas, expanding state presence, and enabling the voluntary return and reintegration of displaced populations, creating opportunities to accelerate local development.
With IOM's support, more than 90,000 displaced persons and host community members have started to rebuild their lives through emergency and transition initiatives.
Furthermore, hundreds of thousands of people have regained access to basic services including water, sanitation, hygiene, as well as housing through the construction of hundreds of essential community infrastructures, laying the groundwork to scale up from stabilization efforts to longer-term development solutions and investment.
As the country moves beyond the legacy of conflict, these gains can be consolidated through strategic partnerships with the private sector, international financial institutions, and the diaspora. These partnerships can leverage investment, expertise, and innovation to strengthen human capital and expand critical infrastructure, including transport, energy, and digital connectivity, that underpin sustainable development.
"The Central African Republic has a real window of opportunity to turn today's stabilization gains into lasting development", Mr. Abdiker said. "If we act together, quickly and consistently, we can help ensure that no community is left behind and that the country's development ambitions translate into visible change in people's daily lives."
