There is a sense of emergency in the Central African Republic (CAR) where security has dramatically deteriorated across the country: President Faustin-Archange Touadéra failed to establish his authority beyond the capital, Bangui, 18 months after his election.
Gunmen are at crossroads in broad daylight, in a neighbourhood near the international airport. At night, gunshots can still be heard in the capital. In the capital, businesses and schools are working fairly well. In one of the epicentres of the violence, PK5, a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood, markets and shops have re-opened (CAR is 76% nominally Christian, 14% nominally Muslim).
Road of no return
There is a nervousness off the main roads. People reported that at the height of the crisis, many who accidentally took one particular side road never came back – it became known as the ‘corridor of death’.
The vast majority of the country is controlled by armed groups. The national army was disbanded in 2013 when the Séléka rebels took power. The process of re-formation and training of the new army has been slow. This power vacuum opened the way to human rights violations, including rape and extortion. One militiaman said he would not lay down his weapon until the new army is able to ensure security in his town; there are only three unarmed policemen in his local police station.
The head of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Joseph Inganji, said CAR has become a forgotten emergency: more than half of the population (2.4 out of 4.6 million) are in need of humanitarian assistance. The country has OCHA’s highest per capita caseload in the world, but its funding is the lowest: only 30% of the US$500 million needed has been covered. The violence has reached an unprecedented level, affecting 14 out of 16 regions, including some considered safe havens in the east and south. Civilians, including children and women, are paying the highest price. He pointed out that 20% of the population is displaced either internally or externally.
Aid workers targeted
Aid workers have also been targeted and NGOs forced to withdraw staff, leaving behind people in great need. Inganji blamed the activities of numerous armed groups, particularly the Anti-Balaka (‘anti-machete’).
In the western town of Bozoum, one of the rare places to enjoy a sense of normality despite the absence of state government, Anti-Balaka militiamen are considered as protectors and widely praised for their bravery. A local community leader said that the arrest and killing of a young hunter in early 2013 by Séléka was a turning point in Bozoum and surrounding areas. As an illustration, he pointed to the presence of more than 3,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled their neighbouring town of Bocaranga from an ex-Séléka group, 3R. The rebels attacked the neighbouring town of Niem, raising fears that Bozoum could be their next target.
Peace-keepers not doing job
There is a strong feeling of anger towards the UN’s peacekeeping mission in CAR, MINUSCA. Many IDPs blame UN troops for their misfortune, accusing them of not doing enough to protect them. Many accuse some UN military contingents of complicity in recent attacks – in the south-eastern towns of Gambo and Zemio, among others. Some community leaders call for the withdrawal of some contingents; in other cases, local communities have tried to prevent the UN troops from entering their towns.
Exactly two years ago, Nicolas Guérékoyamé, President of the Evangelical Alliance, escaped death as a mob of Muslim youths left Bangui’s 3rd district and poured into the neighbouring 5th district, brandishing automatic weapons, machetes, and raiding and destroying properties. They entered the Elim Church compound, where his house was, asking for him. He had left shortly before. The angry mob looted all valuable items, before setting fire to the house. They also ransacked other buildings in the compound, setting fire to them and shooting randomly. Two people were killed.
A new building has now emerged from the ruins of his previous residence. Other buildings have also been rebuilt, ready to host classrooms. The main compound entrance is now protected by security forces.
Joyful worship
Despite the hardships faced by the vast majority, there is a strong desire to move on. Locals want their government, and the international community, to put an end to the ongoing violence. But they haven’t lost their sense of joy and happiness: at a Sunday service at the Elim Church, more than a thousand people sang, danced and worshipped in a joyful atmosphere. They prayed for God’s healing over their country and a prompt return of peace.
