Central African Republic : 2016 Article IV Consultation and Request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (C.A.R.) is at a turning point, with the return to democratic institutions since April 1, 2016 offering prospects of ending the cycle of violent conflicts and political instability that has beleaguered the country since end-2012 and also engineering a turnaround to rebuild its economy, reduce poverty, and exit progressively from fragility. Three disbursements under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) helped to address urgent balance of payments needs and restore macroeconomic stability during the protracted political transition that lasted from January 2014 to March 2016. The newly elected government is focusing on reforms for a progressive exit from fragility, including improving security, consolidating the peace and the reconciliation process, rebuilding government institutions, and strengthening economic management.