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Contemporary Security Council
Situation in the Central African Republic
Conflict Overview
As a former French colony, the Central African Republic has
faced many of the same challenges as its neighbors: infringements
on national sovereignty, political instability and corruption,
economic failure, and social upheaval. While remembering that
the CAR’s situation is portrayed as sharing thematic commonalities
with many other African conflicts, it is important to steer clear of stereotypes and assumptions.
Recently the country has undergone political upheaval, followed by mass killings that drew on
ethnic and religious social cleavages.1 Despite the longevity of this conflict, and the seriousness
of its effect to both the Central African Republic and its surrounding region, the attention of the
media has been largely elsewhere. Organizations and news outlets have labeled the conflict as
yet another example of “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing” in the 21st century. Moreover, some
specialists have come to the conclusion that this conflict is rooted in deep-seeded religious and
1
“Social cleavage” is a term refers to a fault line within a community that may break under stress -- for example, the
Hutus and Tutsis as distinctive identity groups in Rwanda during the 1990s.
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ethnic tensions between Christian and Muslim populace. Still others claim that the situation has
been created by the culmination of international meddling and domestic instability.
The situation has become a major issue in the region of central Africa due to the major
destabilization of the CAR and the outpouring of refugees. The UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) reported that, as of June 19th, there were 542,000 internally displaced people
(IDPs) in the Central African Republic. Moreover, there were more than 395,000 refugees
seeking safety in neighboring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, the Congo and the Democratic
Republic of Congo.2 Less than a month later, the UNHCR reported that these figures had
decreased slightly – but not to a number that would indicate resolution of the problem. To make
matters worse, many of the CAR’s neighbors are facing stability and development issues that
have been aggravated by the rapid influx of refugee populations.
For more information on neighboring conflicts:
•
South Sudanese Rebels Clash With Government Soldiers in Town Near Ethiopian Border
http://reliefweb.int/map/central-african-republic/central-african-republic-emergency-situation-18-july-2014
•
Darfur Refugees in Eastern Chad Close to Starving
https://www.radiodabanga.org/node/77286
•
Offering to Disarm in Congo, After 20 Years of War
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/world/africa/a-reversal-by-a-militia-of-rwandan-hutus-indemocratic-republic-of-congo.html
The following link will take students to the US State Department’s
Human Rights Index for the latest published year. In addition to providing
strong evidence for human rights violations - the introduction is extremely
beneficial for understanding the conflict overall as well as some of the finer
political changes that occurred between 2012 - 2013.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013 - Central African Republic
http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm
While the United Nations has made an effort to resolve the issue it is clear that more could be
done. In 2012 Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner of Refugees, came out with a
statement claiming that “his agency has less than half the money it needs to look after hundreds
of thousands of Africans driven from their homes by conflict and forgotten by the international
community, and may have to start cutting its spending on education and repatriation.”3 Since his
2
3
http://reliefweb.int/map/central-african-republic/central-african-republic-emergency-situation-18-july-2014
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/30/unhcr-chief-warns-cuts
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statement, several actions were taken to target the instability in the region, but security has yet to
be realized.
Central African Republic – Historical Timeline
Excerpt Taken from - The Guardian: Central African Republic Timeline
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/06/central-african-republic-timeline
Please refer to the
timeline to orient
yourself with
names and events
that are crucial to
understanding the
crisis at hand in
the Central
African Republic.
As is evident by
the range of dates
(1960-2013) this
outline of events is
a brief overview of
the country’s
history and is a
useful guide to
understanding the
context of the
current event.
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Economic Overview
The Central African Republic is one of the most underdeveloped states in the world, and has
experienced many of the economic “traps” that have proven detrimental to the growth of
industrial and financial infrastructure around the world. One of the largest obstacles in the way of
the CARs development is the Resource Curse. According to the CIA World Fact Book,
“Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry and mining, remains the backbone of the
economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in
outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates
more than half of GDP.”4 More specifically,
agriculture (substance and cash crop) form 56.6% of
the CAR’s economic engine, while industry equates
to 14.5% and services equals 28.9%. Most of the
country’s exports are made up of gold, diamonds,
and timber.
The Central African Republic has large amounts of
natural resources that are in high demand on the
international market, but instead of driving growth,
the raw material and mineral wealth has fueled conflict. Additionally, the Central African
Republic has been prone to elephant poaching due to ivory’s rising demand in Asia. UN Sectary
General came out with a report in May of 2014, stating that the stability of central African
countries was at risk due to illegal smuggling organizations – specifically the Lords Résistance
Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony.5 Most known for the use of child-soldiers, Kony is just one of
many leaders who has thrived off of illegal goods trade including ivory, gold, and diamonds. The
long lasting economic depravity has caused two major cyclical problems. First, the country is
forced to import most of its essential goods such as food, textiles, machinery, and medicine. The
estimated value of imports compared to exports is almost double. In other words, nearly twice as
much money is sent out of the country to bring in the needed goods, than is brought into the
country by selling product on the international market. This leaves the economy in a constant
state of inflation and debt, forcing the government to keep services extremely low. Secondly,
because of the lack of economic strength has left much of the eastern half of the country almost
entirely untouched by development.
Important: The “developed” versus “undeveloped” division is also in line with ethnic
and religious cleavages. This fault line has been a major issue in the country’s history
and conflict. It also hints at economics as one of the core aspects of the issue.
4
CIA World Fact Book – estimate update: 2013
5
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/18/demand-ivory-destabilising-central-africa
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As with any current event, it is vital to place the issue within its appropriate historical context.
After receiving its independence in 1960 from France, the Central African Republic struggled
through a long line of dictators and politicians who maintained control via military strength. In
1993, President Ange-Felix Patasse started his term, which spanned ten years, and has largely
been recognized as the first real civilian government in the country. However, President Patasse
was removed from power in 2003 by General Francois Bozize who pulled the country under his
power through dualistic political and military command. President Bozize remained in power
after an election in 2005 and again in 2011 – both were controversial, and it was claimed by
some that the ballot boxes had been rigged.
Due to ethnic rivalry, economic stagflation, and the lack of stability, President Bozize’s terms
were colored with the growing dissatisfaction of his people. Discontent rose especially among
those living in the northeastern region of the country – specifically the Vakaga region.
Interestingly, this region is home to two rebel group uprisings in the past decade.
Bush Wars
In November of 2006 Groupe D’action patriotiqu pour la liberation de Centrifique (GAPLC) the
Mouvement des Liberateurs Centrafricans pour la justice (MLCJ) and the Front Democratique
Centrafricain (FDC) formed an alliance and captured Birao - the regional capital of Vakaga.
During the attack on the rebel alliance’s third town, they inflicted large losses against the
government detachment – killing 13 soldiers, capturing 10, and recruiting 54 into their own
ranks. Soon after, the rebel coalition came out with a statement demanding large scale
government changes in exchange for peace. Michel Detodia, leader of the coalition, claimed that
“Many people from other ethnic groups and different political parties are ostracized and banned
from participating in the management of the country.” The coalition, which became known as the
Union des Forces Democratiques pour le Ressemblement (UFDR), was originally ignored by the
CAR, and instead claimed that the attack on Birao was a result of Sudanese interfering. These
accusations were quickly denied by president Fedail of Sudan. Soon after, the UFDR captured
the mining town of Sam-Quandja to aid in
financing the alliance’s military pursuits.
Knowing full-well that the CAR army was
too disorganized and ill-equipped to quell
the northern uprising, president Bozize
enlisted the help of the French
government. Throughout December of
2006, French fighter jets fire on rebel
positions as part of support for
government troops trying to regain control
of areas in the northeast. By mid-2007
negotiations had brought the conflict to an
end. The peace deal promised to absolve
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the grievances of the rebels such as ethnic favoritism and government corruption. In addition,
UFDR soldiers were promised payment for laying down their arms and were integrated into the
national army.
The aftermath of the Bush war was horrendous and
eventually led to the breakdown over governance
and security in 2014. President Bozize’s military
tactics were brutal, and caused extensive damage to
the nearly non-existent societal infrastructure.
During the war government troops, specifically the
Garde Présidentielle (Presidential Guard),
committed massive crimes against humanity. In an
Executive Summery released in September 2007,
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that “Since
mid-2005, hundreds of civilians have been killed,
more than 10,000 houses burned and approximately
212,000 persons have fled their homes in terror to
live in desperate conditions deep in the bush in
northern Central African Republic.”6 The NGO
continued to state that, based on its interviews and
research on the ground, the degree of atrocities
committed were nit characteristic of a “spill-over”
conflict from neighboring areas. Rebel groups were
accused of using of child soldiers, unlawful taxation, beatings and summary executions.
Moreover, HRW claimed that government troops were responsible for mass killings, the burning
of entire villages, rape and other similar actions.
For more information on the Bush War and its immediate aftermath:
•
Human Rights Watch: State of Anarchy Rebellion and Abuse against Civilians
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2007/car0907/car0907web.pdf
•
Central African Republic: A Deepening Crisis
http://www.rescue.org/news/central-african-republic-a-deepening-crisis-6436
6
HRW Executive Summary September 2007 http://www.hrw.org/reports/2007/car0907/2.htm
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The information provided in this timeline was synthesized from the BBC’s
“Central African Republic Profile”
2012
•
•
August - Last historic armed group - Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) - signs
peace deal.
November - New Seleka rebel coalition rapidly overruns north and center of country.
2013
•
•
•
•
•
January - Séléka rebels agree to halt their advance on Bangui and enter into negotiations with the
government. FOMAC troops vow to protect Damara from attack.
- South Africa announces it will deploy up to 400 troops in CAR to prevent a coup by
Séléka rebels.
- Séléka rebels and the government of President Bozizé reach a peace agreement in
Libreville, Gabon, under the aegis of ECCAS on January 11.
- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopts Resolution 2088,
extending the mandate of the Integrated Peacebuilding Office in CAR (BINUCA) until 24,
January 2014 and calls for a report of the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) on the situation in CAR
and the options of altering BINUCA’s mandating.
February - Séléka threaten to resume fighting, charging the Bozizé government has not lived up
to 11, January peace agreement.
March - Seleka rebels overrun the capital and seize power. President Bozize flees. Rebel leader
Michel Djotodia suspends constitution and dissolves parliament in a coup condemned
internationally.
- The UNSC issues a press
statement on CAR and strongly condemns
the recent seizure of power on 24 March
2013 by the Séléka coalition.
August - Coup leader Michel Djotodia is
sworn in as president.
UN Security Council warns CAR poses a
risk to regional stability. UN chief Ban Kimoon says CAR has suffered a "total
President Bozize
•
•
breakdown of law and order".
September - Djotodia dissolves Seleka coalition. He is criticsed for failing to control the fighters.
October - UN Security Council approves the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force. It would
support African Union troops already on the ground and French troops controlling the airport.
December - With turmoil continuing in the country and rival Muslim and Christian fighters
accused of killing hundreds of people, France steps up its deployment of troops to 1,600 in a bid
to disarm the militias.
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2014
•
•
•
•
•
•
January - Interim president Michel Djotodia resigns over criticism that he failed to stop sectarian
violence. Catherine Samba-Panza takes over as interim leader.
February - Violence continues, with attacks on Muslims a major element of the conflict.
March - France accuses the EU of shirking its international responsibilities after the apparent
collapse of an EU plan to send troops to the CAR.
April - UN Security Council authorizes a peacekeeping force of 12,000 troops.
May - Troops from the European Union take charge of security at the airport in Bangui.
International medical charity MSF suspends most of its work in the country following the murder
of three of its workers.
July - Three days of mourning after the killing of 26 in a church compound, where thousands had
taken refuge.
For the full BBC Country Profile:
BBC - Central African Republic Profile
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13150044
*CBC News
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From Civil War to Genocide?
Please view the following documentary posted by VICE News on the current strife in the Central
African Republic between the Seleka and Anri-Balaka.
War in the Central African Republic - VICE News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoQAxQgevEA
This film should be watched with the following questions in mind:
• What countries, organizations, and factions are at play?
• When did the religious attacks begin
• Who are the important figures in the Seleka and Anti-Balaka?
• What do the journalists cite as the root cause(s) for the current stage of conflict?
• Are there any successes thus far that may lead to peace?
As is evident throughout the VICE news documentary, the conflict has grown into a religious
divide between anti-Balaka and the Seleka fighting groups. While no label is universal, the
general consensus is that the anti-Belaka militia is a reactionary Christian force formed against
the majority Muslim Seleka. Moreover, to further confuse the situation, religion in the Central
African Republic is heavily influenced by the many animist religions native to the region.
Therefore, the “typical” aspects of the Christian and Muslim tradition are, in some cases,
different than that upheld by those that adhere to these religions in other parts of the world.
Militias in the Central African Republic are Using Black Magic to Protect Them from Rockets - VICE News
http://www.vice.com/en_se/read/militias-in-central-african-republic-are-using-black-magic-to-protect-them-from-rockets
International Action and Interventions
It is important to note the reactions of the following members of the international community.
Note: Summaries are meant to portray an unbiased/non-condemning image of each country or
organization. Interpretations should take into account additional research to assure a balanced view.
France
Francophone Africa Since granting full independence to its colonial holdings
throughout Africa in the 1960s, France has continued to hold a
strong presence in the area. In recent history, French troops
were sent to Mali to stabilize the state and hold back Tuareg
rebels and Islamist radicals. The government also holds
substantial military installations several African states
including Chad, Eritrea, and Senegal.
In reaction to the humanirian and security crisis in the Central
African Republic, France has sent several contingents to the capital city of Bangui to attempt
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stability and de-militarization. The original contingency consisted of approximately 400 troops,
and the number has increased over the past two years. Please note that this number is subject to
fluctuation and should be monitored for accuracy.
South Africa
South Africa is known for its growing economic power and international influence as a BRICS
(Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and has had the attention of the international
community for the past decade. President Zuma of SA sent 400 troops to support President
Bozize of the CAR and help hold the capital city of Bengui. However, they were withdrawn on
March 27, 2013 after losing badly 3 days prior to the Seleka attack. Thirteen of the soldiers were
killed and nearly 30 were wounded.
President Zuma of South Africa came under intense scrutiny after information came to light
concerning his extensive financial ties through his nephew Khulibuse Zuma – an executive of
DIG Oil, active in the CAR and Democratic Republic of Congo. As if to solidify the accusations,
South African had also send 1000 troops under the UN mandate to the Congo have been used to
secure the same arias in which DIG Oil operates in the Congo.
In both the CAR and the Congo, rebel groups spoke out against the use of South African
military. The presence of South Africa Troops in both cases caused increased tension between
government and rebel leaders – further destabilizing the situation as a whole.
United States
Currently, the United States has a large amount
of aid going to Africa, and specifically to the
CAR, in an effort to relieve civilian suffering.
These programs include, but are not limited to
health care, hygiene stations, food, and shelter
assistance. The actions of USAID and OFDA
are coordinated to maximize effectiveness and
efficiency.
*These figures are current as of July 11, 2014. Source: OFDA - Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
The United States does not have any soldiers
participating in military action or peacekeeping
service at this time.
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The following link will direct students to the USAID Central African Republic page:
• http://www.usaid.gov/crisis/central-african-republic
The following link will direct students to the USAID Fact Sheet which reports the programs
currently at work in the Central African Republic. Please compare fact sheet information to the
USAID map provided below.
Central African Republic - Complex Emergency
http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/car_ce_fs17_07-25-2014.pdf
Link to original USAID map: USAID CAR Map
http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/car_map_07-25-2014.pdf
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United Nations
Humanitarian Crisis
Currently the United Nations is working to help several thousand children caught in the crossfire
of the CAR. In an effort to reach the children (250,000, children under the age of 5 immunized
against measles, 100,000 children participate in temporary learning spaces, 2,000 children
released from armed forces and groups) the UN has estimated its costs to be approximately $81
million (USD). Moreover, the United Nations has seen a fall in aid donations and has an
extremely strained budget due to the relief required in other crisis – notably Syria.
In October of 2012 the humanitarian relief branch of the United Nations began scrambling for
cash. Antonio Guterres, the UN high commissioner for refugees at the time, noted that Africa’s
conflicts had been forgotten due to the immense strain caused by needs in the Middle East. He
further noted that this lack of support was especially stark in the Darfur region of Sudan and the
Central African Republic.
For further information on this topic please follow these links:
• Humanitarian Action for Children: http://www.unicef.org/appeals/car.html
• UNHCR Chief Says His Agency Lacks Cash to Look After Victims of Conflict
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/30/unhcr-chief-warns-cuts
Peacekeeping Mission – MINUSCA
The UN Mission took over the duties of MISCA, the preceding African-led mission, on 15
September 2014. The international UN contingency will initially comprise up to 10,000 military
personnel – consisting of 240 military observers, 200 staff officers and 1,800 police personnel.
MINUSCA - United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central
African Republic http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/
“Fighting in CAR has taken on an increasingly sectarian nature following a 2012 coup and has
since grown more brutal with reports of ongoing human rights violations and reprisal attacks
between largely Christian anti-Balaka and mostly Muslim Séléka rebels that have displaced
hundreds of thousands of people both inside and outside the country, and left 2.2 million in need
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of humanitarian aid.”
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http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47716#.U-mcKvldXT8
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In a trip to the Central African Republic in early April 2014, UN Secretary General Ban KiMoon urged more action in the war torn country – lest history repeat itself. Ironically, the date of
his speech was aligned with the 20-year anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide between the Hutus
and the Tutsis (two major identity groups in the country). Ban Ki-Moon stated, “The
international community failed the people of Rwanda 20 years ago, and we are at risk of not
doing enough for the people of the CAR today.” He continued to suggest that the Security
Council pass a resolution sending 12,000 peacekeepers to the CAR. “The people of CAR should
not have to run and die while the world decides whether to keep its promise,” he said in Bangui,
the capital. Speaking to an audience of CAR citizens, Mr. Ban said, “You have waited long
enough.”
• For more information on this speech and its implications:
U.N. Leader Urges Action in Central African Republic
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/world/africa/un-leader-urges-action-in-africa-clash.html?_r=0
Developing Resolutions
In light of the intense contextual information provided, it is important to view the conflict as
holistically as possible in an attempt to find a solution. Please refer to the following questions
when forming your view of the crisis in the Central African Republic. Remember, the “teeth” of
a resolution come from specific goals with specific solutions.
• What are the origins of the conflict in the CAR?
o Who were the original “players” and where did they come from?
o What did they hope to achieve through the violent engagement?
• What are the important “pieces” to the game – what are people fighting over?
Hint: Much like a board game, “players” often fight for “pieces” Natural resources?
Land? Technology? Economic development? Wealth? Political power?
• What international players are/have participated in this crisis?
o For what reason(s) did they enter into the conflict?
o What were their goals in doing so?
• Have the dynamics of the conflict changed over time, or have the root problems remained
the same? If the root problems have remained the same, how does this affect your
recommendations for UN Security Council action? If they have changed, how do the
changes affect your recommendations?
• What can be done in the short term to halt the progression of the genocide and strife in the
Central African Republic? And what can be done do deal with the consequences of
conflict, like displaced persons and refugees?
• What might a long-term strategy designed to put the country in a sustainable state of
peace and stability look like?
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Recent Resources
“Mapping Central African Republic’s Bloodshed.” Al Jazeera interactive feature.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2014/02/mapping-central-african-republic-bloodshed-2014220135628374426.html
“International community has obligation to help Central African Republic rebuild, says Ban.”
UN News Centre, 26 September 2014.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48895#.VCrNPCldUi4
UN Secretary-General. “Communiqué on High-Level Meeting on Central African Republic.”
26 September 2014. http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sg2208.doc.htm
“At UN, transition leader urges support as war-torn Central African Republic pursues peace,
reconciliation.” UN News Centre, 27 September 2014.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48911#.VCrMuildUi4
ReliefWeb. “Central African Republic: Refugee Situation UNHCR Regional Update.”
http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/central-african-republic-refugee-situation-unhcr-regional-update-32
European Commission. “Central African Republic: EU trust fund starts delivering support to
population.” 29 September 2014. http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-1058_en.htm
“The Hague: Court Plans Investigation Into Central African Republic Crimes.” New York
Times, 24 September 2014.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/world/africa/the-hague-court-plans-investigation-into-central-african-republic-crimes.html?_r=0
“Reconciliation in Central African Republic 'a distant prospect.'” DeutschWelle, 25 September
2014. http://www.dw.de/reconciliation-in-central-african-republic-a-distant-prospect/a-17956086
“CAR cyclists rise above ethnic divisions.” Al Jazeera, 18 September 2014.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/09/car-cyclists-rise-above-ethnic-divisions-201491817263348687.html
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