The interim President of Central African Republic, Michel Djotodia resigned on 10 January 2014 following his inability to curb the large scale violence gripping his nation. Along with him, the prime minister of CAR Nicolas Tiangaye also announced his resignation.The resignation came after the duo attended a two-day summit of the 10-nation Economic Community of Central African States in Chad where they were asked to resign.
Nature and cause behind crisis
Michel Djotodia became the president after Seleka rebels (mostly Muslim) under his leadership toppled former president Francois Bozize in March 2013. It is alleged that human rights abuses done by Seleka group against the Christian community led Central African Republic into large scale violence and chaos since Christian militias known as anti-balaka started attacking the Muslims in retaliation.
Michel Djotodia became the president after Seleka rebels (mostly Muslim) under his leadership toppled former president Francois Bozize in March 2013. It is alleged that human rights abuses done by Seleka group against the Christian community led Central African Republic into large scale violence and chaos since Christian militias known as anti-balaka started attacking the Muslims in retaliation.
The widespread communal violence since then forced nearly one million people to flee their homes and several wounded and killed. The large scale violence not only disrupted drug supplies to clinics and hospitals but also destroyed public infrastructure such as government buildings and schools.
A long-term failure of State machinery in addition to chronic poverty and lawlessness are the major factors behind the current crisis in CAR. The underinvestment in social services and economic development has also aggravated the problem.
As per an estimate, 63 percent of the national population is below the poverty line. Besides, it is ridden with inequalities and constant struggle for power and resources. The population is sharply divided on religious lines with 50 percent of the people are Christian and 15 percent are Muslim. The rest of the population follows traditional animist religions.
Central African Republic is blessed with plentiful agricultural, water and mineral resources but ridden with corruption at a very large scale. A large section of the population are not included in local development planning and therefore feel marginalized and find violence is the only way to solve their problems.
What is Seleka rebel movement?
It is a coalition of 5 rebel groups. It means alliance in Sango language and predominantly Muslim.
It is a coalition of 5 rebel groups. It means alliance in Sango language and predominantly Muslim.
Current Status
A transitional national council will be voting soon to choose a new interim president from among 24 candidates. Moreover, The European Union and the United Nations will co-chair an important meeting in Brussels which aims to mobilise fund so that the life-saving assistance could be provided to Central African Republic. After a period of communal violence, the situation in Central African Republic is relatively calm. Slowly and gradually, the nation is returning to normalcy.
A transitional national council will be voting soon to choose a new interim president from among 24 candidates. Moreover, The European Union and the United Nations will co-chair an important meeting in Brussels which aims to mobilise fund so that the life-saving assistance could be provided to Central African Republic. After a period of communal violence, the situation in Central African Republic is relatively calm. Slowly and gradually, the nation is returning to normalcy.
History of Central African Republic
The Central African Republic earlier known as Ubangi-Shari won independence from France in 1960. However, the civilian rule could be established in 1993 only following thirty-three years of misrule by military governments. A military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE deposed the then president Ange-Felix Patasse. He was affirmed as president in the elections held in 2005 and was reelected in 2011. In March 2013, Michel Djotodia assumed the presidency and established a transitional government on 31 March 2013. Later, he was affirmed as the President by the National Transitional Council.
The Central African Republic earlier known as Ubangi-Shari won independence from France in 1960. However, the civilian rule could be established in 1993 only following thirty-three years of misrule by military governments. A military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE deposed the then president Ange-Felix Patasse. He was affirmed as president in the elections held in 2005 and was reelected in 2011. In March 2013, Michel Djotodia assumed the presidency and established a transitional government on 31 March 2013. Later, he was affirmed as the President by the National Transitional Council.
The measures to control crisis
The vital infrastructure such as water reservoirs, bridges and local clinics should be rebuilt at the earliest. The public works projects also provide revenue to a large population.
It can also instill trust and confidence among people across ethnic and religious divides and at the same time rehabilitation of administration can be done.
Human rights issues and gender-based violence should be addressed through a peaceful dialogue process.
The current power vacuum should be filled at the earliest and the new state machinery should be able to provide basic services to the population both in cities and the rural areas.
UN’s role
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will help in supporting the CAR’s stabilisation by implementing community security, livelihoods, social integration, and communal reconciliation in a phased manner.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will help in supporting the CAR’s stabilisation by implementing community security, livelihoods, social integration, and communal reconciliation in a phased manner.
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