Imagine a national customs system that, after years of turmoil, resembles a weathered giant ship in desperate need of repair before it can set sail again. This is precisely the situation facing the Central African Republic's customs administration. With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), the country is working to emerge from the shadows of past crises through an ambitious reform program—not merely a patchwork fix, but a complete rebirth.
Diagnosing the Current State of CAR's Customs
From January 16-26, 2017, at the request of the Central African Republic's Customs Administration, the WCO dispatched an expert team to Bangui to conduct a thorough assessment. The team comprised:
- A Côte d'Ivoire customs modernization expert
- A Mali customs specialist trained under the African Union-funded Mercator Program
- A WCO security research expert
Their primary objectives were:
- Situation Analysis: Deep assessment of current customs operations to identify bottlenecks and challenges
- Strategic Planning: Development of a 2017-2019 strategic plan to guide future development
The findings revealed alarming stagnation. Due to prolonged sociopolitical crises, CAR's customs administration had made virtually no substantive progress since the 2008 needs assessment phase. While minor achievements existed, previous recommendations from the WCO and partners remained largely unimplemented, indicating significant systemic resistance requiring robust intervention.
Dual-Track Reform Strategy
To address these challenges, WCO experts collaborated with CAR's customs reform team to develop a two-pronged approach:
- Strategic Planning: Identification of priority areas and drafting of a three-year strategic plan (2017-2019) to provide a comprehensive modernization framework
- Recovery Plan: Development of immediate and medium-term projects to address urgent operational issues while laying foundations for future development
The WCO expressed optimism about reform prospects and reaffirmed continued support through technical assistance, training, and resources.
Special Focus: Border Security Initiatives
Concurrently, WCO research missions in CAR focused on two critical security aspects:
- Capacity Building: Leveraging WCO's conflict and post-conflict experience to support operational strengthening
- Border Security Analysis: Field assessment of northwestern border regions under the "Sécurité Par Collaboration ++" security project involving Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and CAR
Strategic Plan Framework
While specific plan details weren't disclosed, analysis suggests four key reform domains:
1. Institutional Capacity Building
Structural optimization, human resource modernization, and IT infrastructure upgrades to create professional, efficient operations.
2. Compliance & Enforcement
Enhanced risk management, intelligence capabilities, and operational capacity to combat smuggling and tax evasion.
3. Trade Facilitation
Streamlined clearance processes, increased transparency, and stakeholder collaboration to reduce trade barriers.
4. International Cooperation
Strengthened regional partnerships, engagement with international organizations, and adoption of global standards.
Recovery Plan Components
Immediate action items likely include:
- Critical equipment procurement (scanners, vehicles, communications)
- Accelerated staff training programs
- Information system rehabilitation
- Border post infrastructure improvements
- Public awareness campaigns
Measuring Reform Success
Key performance indicators for monitoring progress include:
- Clearance processing times
- Revenue collection figures
- Contraband interception rates
- Trade volume statistics
- Stakeholder satisfaction metrics
These quantitative measures will enable data-driven adjustments to ensure reform objectives are met.
Prospects for CAR's Customs Future
The path forward remains challenging amid political instability, economic constraints, and security threats. However, with WCO support and comprehensive strategic planning, CAR's customs administration appears positioned for meaningful transformation—a critical step toward national economic recovery and security stabilization.