Marching on in the Central African Republic
Project Update Central African Republic 12 December 2025
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On December 1, men and women from two national networks of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence marched publicly for the first time to mark Republic Day in the Central African Republic (CAR). GSF’s Project Coordinator for CAR, Corine Wouabeng explains why this march was so important for them – and how interim reparative measures have helped survivors feel a part of their country again.
Why was it so important for these women and men to march freely during the Republic Day celebrations?
For us, but especially for survivors, this march is a moment of great importance. As they said during group discussions to plan the end-of-project activities, this march represents a reaffirmation of self and sends a strong message to the community: ‘We are no longer defined by our suffering, but by our resilience.’
Survivors said that, since they were raped, they have faced stigma and exclusion. They were determined to march publicly to assert their dignity and new identities and show the transformation that the support offered by the interim reparative measures project has enabled them to experience. Some wore lipstick for the first time, others insisted on marching in high heels as a sign of renewal. They really enjoyed this experience, which they themselves defined and organised. I am not just talking about women - we have 17 men in the project who also participated.
What does this reaffirmation of self-worth mean for them?
For survivors, this was more than just an event. Thanks to the support provided by the project, these women and men have truly been able to regain confidence in themselves, in their own worth, and in their place in the community and the nation. The project has given them the tools to rebuild their lives, not only physically and socio-economically, but also psychologically.
Today, they are able to show that they are no longer prisoners of shame or fear. This march is a demonstration of their courage and their will to live, and to say so loud and clear.
What changes have you observed in survivors as a result of this support?
Reparations, beyond material compensation, are essential for restoring the dignity of survivors. This is an internationally recognised right. Our support, which does not replace the need for formal government reparation, has finally given them the opportunity to reclaim their place in the community and be recognised for their ability to recover and contribute to public life.
Here in Dékoa, the results of the project are very encouraging. Survivors have started or expanded 187 livelihood projects - so they already represent an additional economic force in society. They also embody solidarity - they participate in community therapy sessions and help their communities learn how to redefine their values and norms that hinder survivors' well-being and their ability to live together.
What challenges lie ahead now that the interim reparative measures project is coming to an end?
The project will end in March 2026, but thousands of survivors in CAR are still waiting full state reparation. It is crucial that the State remains at the heart of reparation mechanisms for victims and survivors and redoubles its efforts to ensure a bright future for children born of sexual violence, as well as medical, administrative, psychological and material support for survivors. We are already very pleased with the initiatives taken by the government in recent years regarding children. The president publicly ordered the Ministry of Territorial Administration to provide free birth certificates for children born of conflict-related sexual violence. However, there is no clear framework for this. There isn't even a register of these children, or any text legally defining the status of children born of sexual violence, and the certificates are only available in Bangui. Usually, the mother herself hides the fact that her child was born of rape when registering the child's birth at the town hall. So, for the moment, there is a declaration of free services, but there is nothing clear on the status of these children.
The government must continue to work alongside survivors to find truly sustainable reparation solutions that take into account their voices.
What message would you like to send to the government and authorities?
We would like to thank the government, in particular the Ministry of Humanitarian Action, the Central African Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission, the Ministry of Gender, and all the organisations that have supported this project. Their help has been crucial, and we will share the lessons learnt from the project and best practices together during an advocacy workshop in March.
We therefore call for collective solidarity and continued support from the State to enable all these people can regain a dignified place in society.