Central African Republic - Essay Example

 Central African Republic Ethnic violence in the Central African Republic erupted on December 10 2012 after the Séléka (coalition of various rebel groups) waged war on the central government headed by President François Bozizé. The aggrieved party cited the central government’s refusal to abide by peace treaties signed by conflicting parties in 2007 and 2011 as their reason for instigating violent rebellions in the region. The Séléka rebel group comprised of both major and minor Christian extremist groups: Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR)- major group based in North-Eastern region of the country Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP)-major group also based in North-Eastern region of the country Patriotic Convention for Saving the Country (CPSK)-minor group based in the Northern region of the country Democratic Front of the Central African People (FDPC-minor group The escalating ethnic violence in the Central African Republic continues to generate negative backlash from the international community, as they fear fighting in the region might result in mass genocide. Reports from humanitarian organizations providing assistance to the multitudes of displaced and wounded natives reveal the prevalence of countless human rights violations perpetrated by the conflicting parties. Understanding the etiology of ethnic conflict in Central African Republic entails analyzing possible factors that instigated upheaval between natives in the region (Buchard). Etiology of Ethnic Conflict in Central African Republic Central African Republic Bush War (2004–2007) Ethnic violence in the region predates the recent December 2012 violent attacks beginning in one year after the current President François Bozizé’s ascent to power in 2003. Michel Djotodia, leader of the UFDR based in the Northeastern region of the country instigated the Bush War, which involved indiscriminate violent attacks against the central government and its allies. Fighting spanned three years and finally ended on April 2007 after the signing of a peace treaty between rebel forces and the central government in Birao. All involved parties agreed to honor terms stipulated in the treaty and work towards reconciliation. These included integration of rebel fighters into the central government’s army, legitimization of UFDR, and provision of amnesty for the rebels affiliated with the UFDR. Amendments to the treaty occurred in 2009 resulting in the formation of a unity government and the setting of precise dates for the preceding local and presidential elections. Initially, both parties honored the terms of the agreement until President Bozizé’s re-election whereby, he returned to his inhumane treatment of the civilian population living in the country’s northern region. Torture, extra-judicial killings, and brutality against women and children propagated by the central government’s army became rampant in the northern region. In retaliation, different groups united to form the Séléka rebel group, which organized the 2012 coup d’état (Diamonde 51). Rebel offensive (2012-present) The dynamics of ethnic conflict shifted in 2012, after yet another peace treaty signed between CPJP and the government failed to end the Bush War permanently. Rebellions persisted within the central and eastern regions of the country. Colonel Hassan Al Habib branched out and formed the “Fundamental CPJP”, which prescribed to radical Islamic ideologies. The new group aligned their interests towards retaliating against the central government, which they blamed for the murder of CPJP’s founder, Charles Massi in 2010. In addition, they waged war against the central government and members of the original CPJP group who refused to join their quest for retribution. Unlike their predecessor, Fundamental CPJP advocated for a coup d’état based on their extremist religious ideologies. Its members comprised of Muslims who felt that the Christian central government discriminated against the Islamic population by denying them adequate representation in top political posts. They laid siege on large cities in the country after uniting with other extremists and formed the Séléka rebel group. High death tolls, destroyed properties and displaced civilians lay in the wake of the violent attacks perpetrated by the rebels. Unsuccessful peace negotiations persisted until January 2013 whereby, President Bozizé resigned. His actions did not lead to a ceasefire as the rebels pressed on until they successfully took over the presidential palace in March 2013 (Waugh 13-14). Michel Djotodia, leader of the rebel group took over leadership of the country; however, fighting ensued. His ascent to power was short-lived after the parliament voted Catherine Samba-Panza as the interim president, a move applauded by the UN. This marked the beginning of conflict resolution and reduced rebel attacks in the region (Buchard). Analysis of the conflict The Central African Republic consists of an ethnically and religiously diverse population. The country is predominantly Christian with Muslims accounting for 15% of the country’s total population. Therefore, it was only natural that political leaders in the region came from Christian backgrounds; for example, all the former presidents of the country hailed from Christian backgrounds before President Michel Djotodia assumed power in 2013. Before 2012, political factors were responsible for instigating conflict in the Central African Republic; however, after 2012 religious differences played a crucial role in contributing to conflict in the region. The religious extremists maintained that their violent actions fought against the inhumane treatment sanctioned by President Bozizé (Katz 35). Effects of the conflict Like all violent conflicts, the ethnic violence in the Central African Republic resulted in adverse consequences for the native population, and the country in general. Estimates by a June-August 2013 report compiled by humanitarian organizations indicate that more than 200, 000 civilians were internally displaced. In addition, the reports highlighted the extensive human rights violations in the region. The conflicting parties subjected innocent civilians to brutal rape, torture, extra-judicial killings, and abductions. In addition, the civil war did not spare the children whereby, conflicting groups recruited them as child-soldiers. The indiscriminate human rights abuses triggered a reaction from the international community. François Hollande, President of the French Republic rallied the support of the African Union, and the United Nations Security Council. Ordinarily, these organizations refrain from interfering in a country’s civil matters, as they believe a country’s government is capable of mitigating such problems. However, they choose to intervene if the atrocities committed during the civil war violate inherent human rights and border of mass genocides. In addition, the country seeking international assistance must be a signatory to a treaty declaring it sanctions interventions by international countries (Buchard 51). Conclusion In conclusion, proponents of conflict theory such as Karl Marx inferred that conflict defines a society. They theorized that inequality gave rise to conflicts whereby, the oppressed individuals fought against discrimination perpetrated by their superiors. Ethnic conflict in Central African Republic mirrors conflict theorists’ presumptions. The central government represents the superior group, which constantly disregards the rights of the civilian population based in the northern area of the country. President Bozizé sanctioned the inhumane treatment of civilians affiliated with the rebel group despite the two peace treaties signed by all parties with the hope of fostering reconciliation. Initially, the rebel groups retaliated against political injustice; however, their motives changed in the recent surge of ethnic violence. Religious extremists rebels retaliated against the predominantly Christian government. The high death toll and brutality against civilians led to intervention from the international community, which helped to reduce violent attacks in the region. In addition, the international community continues to help the interim president negotiate peace treaties. Works Cited Burchard, Stephane. "The Central African Conflict is about Far More than Religion." February 2014. Think Africa Press. 27 March 2014 . Diamonde, Ruby. "Central African Republic." New Internationalist 468 (2013): 51. Katz, Andrew. "Africa's Unholy War." Time 36.1 (2014): 35. Waugh, Louisa. "Now the president's gone, will the killing stop?" New Statesman 143.2 (2014): 13-14. Read More