Bangui, Central African Republic
November 2014
Various
Various
The Central African Republic (CAR), despite abundant natural resources, is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been mired in poverty, corruption, political instability and conflict since it gained independence from France in 1960.
While the security situation in CAR has improved since the election of President Faustin Archange Touadera in March 2016, it continues to be fragile and unpredictable. Communication infrastructures and media outlets were severely damaged by the conflict in CAR and overall capacity within the media sector remains low–despite progress over the past several years to increase capacity. Moreover, many CAR citizens are illiterate and have limited understanding of the new Constitution and the role of Parliament and Members of Parliament (MPs) in the new democratic institutions of CAR. Since radio is the most widespread and accessible form of media in the country, including for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), civic education needs to be accessible through radio in local languages and dialects understood by the various communities.
Additionally, there is a need to establish links between citizens, their MPs, local authorities and civil society organizations, and to create spaces for conversation on key issues affecting the people. Cohesion and reconciliation among communities still needs to be promoted, and media has a crucial role to play in facilitating community discussions, addressing grievances and promoting reconciliation.
Internews is working with local partners Association of Journalists for Human Rights (RJDH by its French acronym) and Central African Media Observatory (OMCA RJDH by its French acronym) to connect the newly-elected government with its citizens through responsible journalism to support citizen engagement in post-elections political processes.
(text taken from the Internews website)
Internews brings CAR-specific expertise and experience to the challenges outlined above and leverages African talent. Internews will provide capacity building, facilitate the production of election-related news stories, increase the volume of reporting on political processes, support infrastructure improvements, and ensure that CAR citizens in Bangui and in the regions (including vulnerable populations such as refugees, IDPs, women, and youth), have access to responsible media coverage on political processes.
(text taken from the Internews website)
To provide and strengthen neutral media platforms for citizens of CAR to be heard and hold their political leaders to account.
We have provided equipment to support Internews’ work in CAR since 2014