{UAH} MAY BE BOKASA WAS NOT THE PROBLEM OF THIS COUNTRY JUST MAY BE

CAR crisis: the big questions

Last Updated:  November 26, 2013 - 16:45 GMT

The Central African Republic is plunged into anarchy since the seizure of power by a rebellion in March 2012. The Secretary General of the UN has warned that the country plunged into chaos and called for urgent international action.

How is life in Central Africa?

Most people are terrified since anarchy has gripped the country. Armed men from rival groups, circulating in many areas, loot, kill, burn crops and houses. Many villages are now deserted: the people hiding in the fields or in the bush. 460,000 people, or 10% of the population, have fled their homes.

1.1 million people out of the capital Bangui are struggling to feed themselves.

Why is the situation so bad?

Lack of security means that the UN and other agencies are unable to help people in remote areas, schools and hospitals were looted by former rebels Seleka coalition, which took power . 70% of children do not go to the écolee, and some are recruited as soldiers.

A small regional force was deployed in the country there is a year but was unable to stop the advance of the rebels and the ensuing chaos.Powered by ethnic rivalries, the conflict has now taken a sectarian turn.For the first time, the country has a Muslim leader, Michel Djotodia. He certainly Seleka officially dissolves, but the former rebels have continued to carry out attacks, resulting in the emergence of Christian militia self-defense nicknamed the "anti-balakas".

The situation may worsen it?

Yes. Some top UN officials warn that the situation could turn into a "genocide". The Muslim minority in the north has long complained of being neglected by various Christian governments that ruled the former French colony since independence in 1960.

A Bossangoa in the north-west, the city is divided, with 37,000 Christians who fled to the Catholic mission in the city. Father Frederick Tonfio in St Antoine Cathedral City told the BBC that the scenario of possible genocide was not an exaggeration.

To complicate matters, the Ugandan rebel movement, the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, is based in the country.

Why is this important?

Besides the dire humanitarian situation in neighboring countries could be drawn into the conflict. Some officials suspect some Muslim warlords Seleka having a radical Islamist ideology after studying in the Middle East.

The former government also asserts that the ranks of the Seleka were inflated by mercenaries such as Janjaweed fighters from Darfur in neighboring Sudan or other Chad and Nigeria.

The country is also rich in virgin forest and minerals, and corruption in the diamond trade and the wood has fueled instability in the country, while the population is among the poorest in the world.

CAR has she ever been the same?

No. Since 1960, the country has witnessed eight coups. His most notorious leader Bedel Bokassa was John, who was crowned emperor in a ceremony where he was wearing a costume inspired Napoleon, and paraded through the streets of Bangui on a carriage escorted by soldiers dressed French riders in the 19th century. He was notably accused of being a cannibal, and to devour his opponents by lions and crocodiles zoo staff.

Jean-Pierre Bemba, a rebel leader turned politician in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, is on trial in The Hague on charges of war crimes committed there a decade when his fighters supported a coup François Bozizé, overthrown by Seleka in March.

What is being done to remedy the situation?

The African Union is deploying 3,600 soldiers to take over the regional force. The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Jan Eliasson called for the Security Council to strengthen the force to 6,000 and turn it into a force for peacekeeping UN. France, which has so far 400 soldiers stationed in Bangui, announced sending about a thousand additional troops for a period of 6 months.

Is it enough?

Sarah Terlouw, the International Rescue Committee in Central Africa, told the BBC that protect the biggest cities were not enough, that security must be restored throughout the country, and when regional peacekeeping troops arrive in an area, the gangs leave these areas to focus on other areas. CAR has always been poor and unstable, and weapons proliferation: build a lasting peace takes time.

 

 

           Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy"
           Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
"Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko"