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STORY: UNHCR / WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA REFUGEES
TRT: 4:56
SOURCE: UNHCR
RESTRICTIONS: PLEASE CREDIT UNHCR ON SCREEN
LANGUAGE: SANGO / NATS
DATELINE: PLEASE CHECK SHOTLIST FOR DETAILS
4-5 OCOTBER 2025, BOUAR, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
1. Various shots, members of the soap-making collective putting on gloves
2.Wide shot, woman mixing palm oil and colorants to make soap
3.Close up, the soap mixture
4.Pan shot, a man mixing the soap paste in a bucket
5.Various shots, members of the collective mixing paste for soap
6.Close up, a woman molding soap; wide shot of women molding soap
7.SOUNDBITE (Sango) Bigma Marie, Central African Returnee:
"I didn't know how to make soap before, but this project taught me. The great thing is that it's now bringing in income. I sell the soap for between CFA 1,500 ($2.60) and CFA 2,000 ($3.5) which helps me meet my family's needs."
8.Med shot, soap drying on the ground/medium shot of a man molding soap
9.SOUNDBITE(Sang0) Abdoulaye Mariam, Central African Returnee:
“I chose to live in Baoro because there’s peace. I settled here and go about my activities freely."
10.Wide shot, Mariam seated outside her house with family members
11.Various shots, Mariam using her knitting machine
12.Close up, the knitting machine
13.Close up, knitted baby clothes
14.Close up, Mariam and sister knitting
15.Close up, wool
16.SOUNDBITE (Sango) Abdoulaye Mariam, Central African Returnee:
"The cash assistance that UNHCR gave us upon our return was truly very useful. When we were repatriated from Cameroon to CAR, we had no land or shelter to live in. This cash assistance helped us find a place to stay, get food, and cover our health needs. I also started my income-generating activity as well."
17.Various shots, Mariam and her sister packing bed sheets she made for a customer, Mariam giving the customer his package
18.SOUNDBITE (Sango) Abdoulaye Mariam, Central African Returnee:
"Through my income-generating activities, like sewing, I've brought in a bit of money for my family and for my own needs. I also participated in some first aid training, which has been very useful."
25 SEPTEMBER 2025, Bria, Central African Republic
19.Wide shot, Adjo Pelagie, member of the host community, showing her market garden
20.Wide shot, Pelagie showing the beans she planted
21.SOUNDBITE (Sango) Adjo Pelagie, Host Community Member:
"We thank CIAUD, which has strengthened our capacity and provided us with cassava seeds and cuttings, as well as seeds of squash, sesame, and maize. They showed us techniques for planting in rows and also hoeing techniques to achieve good yields to meet our family's needs."
22.Wide shot, Pelagie walking in her farm
23.Close up, zucchini
24.Wide shot, Adjo’s market garden
As peace returns to the Central African Republic, thousands of returnees are embarking on a journey to rebuild their lives. More than 42,000 refugees have returned across West and Central Africa in 2025, many launching small businesses such as soap-making and market gardening. UNHCR is actively supporting these initiatives, providing resources and training to help returnees thrive and achieve sustainable reintegration.
After years of conflict, Central African refugees are returning home to find stability and security. The majority of returns in 2025 have been to Nigeria and CAR, reflecting a significant step towards normalization and recovery across the region. With the support of UNHCR and local partners, these returnees are engaging in livelihood projects that foster economic independence and community resilience.
In Bouar and Birao, women’s collectives are coming together to produce soap and start knitting businesses, empowering both returnees and host community members. These initiatives not only provide essential income but also strengthen community ties and promote collaboration.
Infrastructure projects, including the establishment of semi-durable homes, schools, and health care facilities, are being revitalized to support the returning population. The renewal of agriculture through market gardening and livestock farming is helping to ensure food security and stimulate local economies. The momentum achieved remains at serious risk due to funding shortfalls, but the determination of these returnees and the support of UNHCR are paving the way for a brighter future.
