UNDP, CAR Celebrate Major Milestone With Inauguration Of Rebuilt Infrastructure

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

This milestone marks a key achievement of UNDP’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 project restores state authority and helps 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 one million people, have given way to progress.

Security and infrastructure development have enabled the return of 227,000 displaced individuals, with over 95 per cent of administrative officials now in place.

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.

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

This marks a new era for regional services, strengthening security, justice, access to essential services, and revitalizing the local economy.

President Touadera said: “The Stabilisation Program 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.”

In addition to stabilisation, UNDP is providing key elements for consolidating the development process in CAR, which include a special criminal court that addresses 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 centres, with funding from Japan, serves over 2,000 adults.

Resident Representative of UNDP in the Central African Republic, Jean-Luc Stalon, 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 program, with plans to elaborate and achieve an expanded long-term program aligned with the country’s new national development agenda.

The Central African Republic’s progress marks a significant milestone for the broader African and global communities, demonstrating the power of international cooperation, investment, and community-led initiatives in transforming fragile states.