The Central African Republic (CAR) is a country located in the center of the African continent. It gained its independence in 1960. It has a population of about 4.7 million. The main 4 ethnic groups in CAR are:
– 50% Baya-Mandjia (Christians).
– 40% Banda (mostly Christians)
– 7% M’Baka (mostly Christians)
– 2.4% Baggara (Muslims)
The civil war in CAR started in 2012 between 2 militant groups: Séléka (supposedly Muslims) and Anti-balaka (supposedly Christians). President François Bozizé left the country in 2013 so the Séléka rebel leader Michel Djotodia took power.
After raising to power, Séléka rebels were divided and this is a very natural outcome since their main goal from the beginning was wealth as CAR is a land rich with diamonds. In 2014, Djotodia resigned and there were preparations for a new election.
More than 1 million people were displaced and many has been killed. The majority of people in CAR are suffering from poverty and terror.
Faustin Touadéra won the 2016 election. In 2019, his government signed a peace agreement with 14 different rebel groups but peace did not last for long.
The Unites Nations are doing what it can to stop the conflict and apply peace but things always turn ugly.
My message to people of CAR:
“Hatred and greed will only drive your nation downwards. Nobody can help you if you can’t help yourselves. Unite and stop the conflict so your children can have a bright future”.