The ICRC is stepping up its activities in the Central African Republic as a result of increasing levels of violence affecting the country's population. As a response to the escalation of fighting across northern areas, the ICRC opened up new offices in Kaga Bandoro in February 2007 and Paoua in April 2006.

The organization provides emergency assistance to people displaced by fighting as well as tools to farmers to help them plant seeds. In 2006, the ICRC also carried out repairs on the urban and rural water networks and rehabilitated water points in the north-west of the country. ICRC tracing services restore contact between families separated as a result of regional conflicts.

In addition, ICRC delegates conduct visits to places of detention to monitor conditions and make recommendations to the authorities where necessary. Emergency assistance is also made available to detainees in case of urgent nutritional needs.

Allegations of misconduct by weapon bearers toward civilians are documented and followed up with a view to preventing any further abuse. The basic rules of international humanitarian are given to arms carriers during regular dissemination sessions.

The ICRC has been present in the Central African Republic since 1997.

Presence (2009): 131 staff, including 25 expatriates