Communication & Press Relations in the Central African Republic: Succeeding in a Sensitive Context

Do you want to launch a communication or PR campaign in the Central African Republic (CAR) but lack a local network?
In this country, where political, economic, and security realities strongly influence the dissemination of information, understanding the local context is essential. This guide provides the keys to building an effective, realistic, and context-sensitive PR strategy.

1. General Context: Instability and Resilience

The Central African Republic, located in the heart of Africa, has approximately 6 million inhabitants and shares borders with Chad, Sudan, Cameroon, the DRC, and Congo-Brazzaville.

• Official languages: French and Sango, with other national languages spoken in the provinces.

The country is still marked by political tensions and armed conflicts, which weaken infrastructure, yet the population maintains a strong demand for information, particularly in Bangui.
The High Council for Communication (HCC) regulates the sector, but press freedom remains fragile, and journalists often face pressures.

2. Media Landscape: Radio Leads, Limited Internet

In CAR, radio is the king of media, able to reach the majority of the population, even in rural areas.
Other channels are less accessible or influential:

• Print Media: Limited circulation, local influence, often politicized.

• Television: Present but concentrated in Bangui, mainly institutional content.

• Internet: Urban use, low national penetration.

Key takeaway: For a national message, radio remains the most effective channel.

3. Key Media to Target

Influential Radios

• Radio Ndeke Luka – the most widely followed nationally

• Radio Centrafrique (official)

• Radio Notre Dame, Radio Néhémie, Voix de la Grâce

Print Media

• Le Confident

• Ndjoni Sango

• Le Citoyen

• Be Afrika

• La Centrafrique Presse

Television

• TVCA (public)

• Vision 4TV

• Bahila TV

4. Specific Features of PR in CAR

• No guaranteed free dissemination: better to contextualize and provide editorial content.

• Per diem common: fees for transport, participation, or coverage.

• Direct contact preferred: calls, meetings, local intermediaries rather than impersonal emails.

• Few structured PR agencies: working with a local correspondent or fixer is often more effective.

• Concentration in Bangui: few media outlets in the provinces.

5. Recommendations for a Successful PR Campaign

• Prioritize radio for rapid national impact.

• Collaborate with a local intermediary for credibility and efficiency.

• Plan a budget for per diem and sponsored content.

• Build strong relationships: personalize each contact and maintain regular follow-ups.

• Adapt tone and content to the political and cultural context.