The Central African Republic has been mired in an escalating civil conflict since the breakdown of political stability in December 2012. Sectarian and political violence has killed thousands of people, displaced about 1 million people, including more than 416,000 who fled to neighbouring countries. There are now more than 65,000 displaced people in the capital, Bangui.
2.5 million of the country’s population of 4.6 million are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

The fighting has destroyed critical infrastructure and basic social services, and increased vulnerability in what was already one of the world’s poorest countries. Before the crisis, 70 percent of the population lived below the poverty line and this number has now increased dramatically.

Between July and September 2014, the country achieved milestones that are hopeful signs following months of violence. These include a “cessation of hostilities” agreement between warring factions and the arrival of the new United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.