Bangui, Central African Republic — Mental health experts are warning of a growing psychological crisis in the Central African Republic as years of conflict continue to leave deep emotional scars on civilians, particularly children and young people.
Humanitarian organizations say many residents suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression after experiencing violence, displacement and repeated instability. According to psychologists working with relief agencies, traumatic incidents in schools and communities have further worsened the situation.
In 2025, dozens of students were killed and many others injured in a stampede at a secondary school in Bangui, leaving survivors struggling with nightmares, fear and emotional distress. Mental-health teams have since been providing psychosocial support to affected students. �
Despite the growing need for care, mental health services remain extremely limited in the country. Experts say there are only a few trained specialists available, leaving many communities without professional help.
Humanitarian agencies are now calling for stronger government investment and integration of mental health services into emergency response systems to help citizens heal from years of conflict-related trauma.
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