CIVICUS discusses the current crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) with an activist and human rights defender who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.

The CAR is facing rising risks of human rights crimes in a context of increasing violence. Since December 2020, clashes between the rebel Coalition of Patriots for Change and government forces have led to numerous human rights violations, including abductions, forced recruitment of children, killings and sexual violence. The United Nations has documented serious abuses by both sides, including summary executions and attacks targeting ethnic groups. The presence of foreign fighters and armed groups using the CAR as a base of operations has further destabilised the security situation.

What are the main drivers of violence in the CAR?

The CAR is experiencing a period of incessant conflict and increasing violence. Nepotism and tribalism prevail: those with connections, who belong to political parties or the president’s ethnic group have easier access to positions. Faced with unemployment and the high cost of living, young people are often forced to resort to violence to survive, joining rebel groups or committing robberies.

Even the army is not spared. Many young people are forced to enlist, but then struggle to receive their salaries, which can lead them to turn to banditry. On 2 February, a member of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) was killed during an attack on a home in the capital, Bangui. The number of such robberies has increased recently, and residents often report that men in uniform are among perpetrators.

People feel abandoned, and those who dare to speak out risk reprisals. This is fuelling hatred and could potentially trigger a new civil war.

How is this affecting vulnerable groups?

Civilians are caught between the FACA and the rebels, particularly in the hinterland. In some areas, FACA allies who are supposed to be protecting the population are themselves involved in looting. Travel is extremely risky: people who leave the bush are often raped and robbed by armed men.

Recent incidents illustrate the gravity of the situation. On 13 February, eight people were kidnapped in Bocaranga, in Ouham-Péndé prefecture. While six hostages have been released, two others remain in captivity. In Alindao, in the Basse-Kotto region, around 10 people have been murdered in 10 days by unidentified armed men, mainly in the villages of Goro and Odjio. People trying to flee the conflict zones are exposed to stray bullets and also to the dangers of the bush, such as wild animals and disease.

Why have previous peace deals failed?

The peace agreement signed in Khartoum, Sudan on 6 February 2019 between the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and 14 armed groups did not hold. The armed groups had demanded to be included in the government, but their demands were not met, leading to attacks on FACA bases. On 13 January 2021, some 200 rebels from the Coalition of Patriots for Change tried to take Bangui, but did not succeed.

To ensure the long-term protection of people, it is essential for the international community and the government to invest in building the capacity of the armed forces and the police, particularly with regard to respect for human rights. An effective early warning system, developed in cooperation with local authorities and law enforcement agencies, is also crucial.

How can accountability for human rights violations be strengthened?

At present, the protection of human rights defenders in the CAR is mainly based on recourse to the courts in the event of aggression. This system needs to be strengthened and diversified, in close cooperation with the government and civil society, to improve its effectiveness and better prevent abuses.

Civil society must be at the heart of any human rights protection system. Human rights defenders working as close to the people as possible need substantial financial and logistical support.