Leanann Géarchéim Dhaonnúil i bPoblacht na hAfraice Láir

The humanitarian crisis in Central African Republic (CAR) doesn´t seem to end. The CAR has been under attack by armed groups for two months, ever since the armed CPC (Coalition of the Patriots of the Central African Republic) launched numerous attacks on key cities including the capital, Bangui, aimed at aborting the elections at December 27 2020. Even though the government of the Central African Republic hoped for peaceful elections, the National Army was prepared to defend the security of the country.

According to UN-expert Yao Agbetsi, the CPC routinely violate human rights and committing crimes against the civilian population of the CAR as residents have subjected to extortion, robbery, rape, and abduction. CPC fighters also regularly kidnap press-gang children into their ranks and use them as human shields.

CAR-President Faustin-Archange Touadéra issued a call for aid to neighboring countries, and to international partners. The recent bilateral partnership in the security sector with the Russian Federation was one of the achievements of the Central African government, which helped to give a boost to the national defense forces (the FACA).

The presence of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) seems at the same time not at all satisfying for the people of CAR. Even the recent news of the possible increase in the MINUSCA numbers provoked wide discussion among the local population and security experts.

Yao Agbetsi reports: “UN personnel in the CAR (MINUSCA) showed their low efficiency in resolving the crisis in the country. More than 14,000 people of the MINUSCA contingent cost the international community about $1 billion a year and they do not contribute to the restoration of peace in the CAR”.

Agbetsi also notes that the CAR’s allies, Russia and Rwanda, have provided effective military support in the fight against the rebels. It can be beneficial for the CAR to engage Russia more actively in solving its regional security problems.

Also Marie-Therese Keita-Bocoum, independent expert on the situation of human rights in the CAR, shares the stance with Agbetsi. In an opinion piece for African Associated Press (AAP) Keita-Bocoum wrote:

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“The government headed by President Touadera made it clear that it would be in the interests of its people to bring the war to a victorious end. All groups will be destroyed, and their leaders will be brought to justice. This resonates with the country’s population, which is confirmed by regular pro-Touadera demonstrations of thousands of residents. African countries should support the actions of the legally elected government due to the fact that the president has proved that the people’s interests are at the forefront of his mind.”

She criticizes as well the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) which in her opinion “seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the CAR.”

Keita-Bocoum: “The ECCAS chaired by Angolan Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo is a tool for pursuing Angola’s political interests. In order to divert its population’s attention from internal problems, the government of Angola intervenes in the situation in the CAR, acting on the side of criminals and terrorists.”

The African expert empathized the role of the international allies of CAR: “Thanks to FACA, trained by Russian instructors and Rwandan allies, the advance of CPC mercenaries has been stopped and they are suffering losses.”

Timothy Longman, professor of political science and international relations at Boston University and internationally recognized expert on the Rwandan genocide, calls as well for a stop of violence in CAR.

Longman: “President Touadera made it clear that it would be in the interests of its people to bring the war to a victorious end. All groups will be destroyed, and their leaders will be brought to justice. This resonates with the country’s population, which is confirmed by regular pro-Touadera demonstrations of thousands of residents. African countries should support the actions of the legally elected government due to the fact that the president has proved that the people’s interests are at the forefront of his mind.”

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