After the rebel group known as “Anti-balaka” killed a group of Muslims, return attacks resulted in the burning of a migrant camp holding over 20,000 refugees. 40 people have been confirmed dead by the UN, one of which was a priest. In addition, homes, churches, and bodies have been burned to the ground.
This is just one of the many acts of terrorism that have occurred in CAR in the last few months. In 2013, former Christian President Francois Bozize was overthrown by a Muslim opposition group. Since then, constant acts of aggression have taken place between the majority Christian “Anti-balaka” and the minority Muslim Seleka rebels.
Despite the newly elected President Faustin-Archange Touadera, acts of terror have still been occurring. Over 600,000 people have been displaced internally in CAR. On November 16th, a UN Peacekeeper was shot and killed by the Anti-balaka group as a means to quell the interreligious dispute.
These acts of terrorism have forced CAR a few steps back from their goal of implementing the African Initiative for Peace proposed by the African Union. In the agreement, African nations vow to lay down their weapons and settle disputes diplomatically and non-violently. French leaders, who are supporters of this movement, have sent their condolences to the victims and families of the recent tragedies.
France has kept close ties with CAR despite its independence in the 1960’s, vowing to supply assault rifles and capital in order to increase infrastructure. As it currently stands, the Central African Republic’s government only controls a small portion of the country. France hopes for CAR to soon control its extremist militias, such as the Chrisitan and Muslim extremist groups that have committed the recent tragedies. However, France recently backed out of their efforts after accusations of French soldiers sexual assaulting young women and girls in CAR.
Russian troops have stepped in to encourage peace and government control during the absence of France’s influence within the Central African Republic’s borders. During this time of economic and civil unrest, only time will tell the outcome for the African nation.