Situation in the Central African Republic

Transcription

1 Contemporary Security Council Situation in the Central African Republic Conflict Overview As a former French colony, the Central African Republic has faced many of the same challenges as its neighbors: infringements on national sovereignty, political instability and corruption, economic failure, and social upheaval. While remembering that the CAR s situation is portrayed as sharing thematic commonalities with many other African conflicts, it is important to steer clear of stereotypes and assumptions. Recently the country has undergone political upheaval, followed by mass killings that drew on ethnic and religious social cleavages. 1 Despite the longevity of this conflict, and the seriousness of its effect to both the Central African Republic and its surrounding region, the attention of the media has been largely elsewhere. Organizations and news outlets have labeled the conflict as yet another example of genocide and ethnic cleansing in the 21 st century. Moreover, some specialists have come to the conclusion that this conflict is rooted in deep-seeded religious and 1 Social cleavage is a term refers to a fault line within a community that may break under stress -- for example, the Hutus and Tutsis as distinctive identity groups in Rwanda during the 1990s. 1

2 ethnic tensions between Christian and Muslim populace. Still others claim that the situation has been created by the culmination of international meddling and domestic instability. The situation has become a major issue in the region of central Africa due to the major destabilization of the CAR and the outpouring of refugees. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that, as of June 19 th, there were 542,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Central African Republic. Moreover, there were more than 395,000 refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, the Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 2 Less than a month later, the UNHCR reported that these figures had decreased slightly but not to a number that would indicate resolution of the problem. To make matters worse, many of the CAR s neighbors are facing stability and development issues that have been aggravated by the rapid influx of refugee populations. For more information on neighboring conflicts: South Sudanese Rebels Clash With Government Soldiers in Town Near Ethiopian Border Darfur Refugees in Eastern Chad Close to Starving Offering to Disarm in Congo, After 20 Years of War The following link will take students to the US State Department s Human Rights Index for the latest published year. In addition to providing strong evidence for human rights violations - the introduction is extremely beneficial for understanding the conflict overall as well as some of the finer political changes that occurred between Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for Central African Republic While the United Nations has made an effort to resolve the issue it is clear that more could be done. In 2012 Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner of Refugees, came out with a statement claiming that his agency has less than half the money it needs to look after hundreds of thousands of Africans driven from their homes by conflict and forgotten by the international community, and may have to start cutting its spending on education and repatriation. 3 Since his

3 Canisius College 36th Annual Conference statement, several actions were taken to target the instability in the region, but security has yet to be realized. Central African Republic Historical Timeline Excerpt Taken from - The Guardian: Central African Republic Timeline Please refer to the timeline to orient yourself with names and events that are crucial to understanding the crisis at hand in the Central African Republic. As is evident by the range of dates ( ) this outline of events is a brief overview of the country s history and is a useful guide to understanding the context of the current event. 3

4 Economic Overview The Central African Republic is one of the most underdeveloped states in the world, and has experienced many of the economic traps that have proven detrimental to the growth of industrial and financial infrastructure around the world. One of the largest obstacles in the way of the CARs development is the Resource Curse. According to the CIA World Fact Book, Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry and mining, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP. 4 More specifically, agriculture (substance and cash crop) form 56.6% of the CAR s economic engine, while industry equates to 14.5% and services equals 28.9%. Most of the country s exports are made up of gold, diamonds, and timber. The Central African Republic has large amounts of natural resources that are in high demand on the international market, but instead of driving growth, the raw material and mineral wealth has fueled conflict. Additionally, the Central African Republic has been prone to elephant poaching due to ivory s rising demand in Asia. UN Sectary General came out with a report in May of 2014, stating that the stability of central African countries was at risk due to illegal smuggling organizations specifically the Lords Résistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony. 5 Most known for the use of child-soldiers, Kony is just one of many leaders who has thrived off of illegal goods trade including ivory, gold, and diamonds. The long lasting economic depravity has caused two major cyclical problems. First, the country is forced to import most of its essential goods such as food, textiles, machinery, and medicine. The estimated value of imports compared to exports is almost double. In other words, nearly twice as much money is sent out of the country to bring in the needed goods, than is brought into the country by selling product on the international market. This leaves the economy in a constant state of inflation and debt, forcing the government to keep services extremely low. Secondly, because of the lack of economic strength has left much of the eastern half of the country almost entirely untouched by development. Important: The developed versus undeveloped division is also in line with ethnic and religious cleavages. This fault line has been a major issue in the country s history and conflict. It also hints at economics as one of the core aspects of the issue. 4 CIA World Fact Book estimate update:

5 Canisius College 36th Annual Conference As with any current event, it is vital to place the issue within its appropriate historical context. After receiving its independence in 1960 from France, the Central African Republic struggled through a long line of dictators and politicians who maintained control via military strength. In 1993, President Ange-Felix Patasse started his term, which spanned ten years, and has largely been recognized as the first real civilian government in the country. However, President Patasse was removed from power in 2003 by General Francois Bozize who pulled the country under his power through dualistic political and military command. President Bozize remained in power after an election in 2005 and again in 2011 both were controversial, and it was claimed by some that the ballot boxes had been rigged. Due to ethnic rivalry, economic stagflation, and the lack of stability, President Bozize s terms were colored with the growing dissatisfaction of his people. Discontent rose especially among those living in the northeastern region of the country specifically the Vakaga region. Interestingly, this region is home to two rebel group uprisings in the past decade. Bush Wars In November of 2006 Groupe D action patriotiqu pour la liberation de Centrifique (GAPLC) the Mouvement des Liberateurs Centrafricans pour la justice (MLCJ) and the Front Democratique Centrafricain (FDC) formed an alliance and captured Birao - the regional capital of Vakaga. During the attack on the rebel alliance s third town, they inflicted large losses against the government detachment killing 13 soldiers, capturing 10, and recruiting 54 into their own ranks. Soon after, the rebel coalition came out with a statement demanding large scale government changes in exchange for peace. Michel Detodia, leader of the coalition, claimed that Many people from other ethnic groups and different political parties are ostracized and banned from participating in the management of the country. The coalition, which became known as the Union des Forces Democratiques pour le Ressemblement (UFDR), was originally ignored by the CAR, and instead claimed that the attack on Birao was a result of Sudanese interfering. These accusations were quickly denied by president Fedail of Sudan. Soon after, the UFDR captured the mining town of Sam-Quandja to aid in financing the alliance s military pursuits. Knowing full-well that the CAR army was too disorganized and ill-equipped to quell the northern uprising, president Bozize enlisted the help of the French government. Throughout December of 2006, French fighter jets fire on rebel positions as part of support for government troops trying to regain control of areas in the northeast. By mid-2007 negotiations had brought the conflict to an end. The peace deal promised to absolve 5

6 Canisius College 36th Annual Conference the grievances of the rebels such as ethnic favoritism and government corruption. In addition, UFDR soldiers were promised payment for laying down their arms and were integrated into the national army. The aftermath of the Bush war was horrendous and eventually led to the breakdown over governance and security in President Bozize s military tactics were brutal, and caused extensive damage to the nearly non-existent societal infrastructure. During the war government troops, specifically the Garde Présidentielle (Presidential Guard), committed massive crimes against humanity. In an Executive Summery released in September 2007, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Since mid-2005, hundreds of civilians have been killed, more than 10,000 houses burned and approximately 212,000 persons have fled their homes in terror to live in desperate conditions deep in the bush in northern Central African Republic. 6 The NGO continued to state that, based on its interviews and research on the ground, the degree of atrocities committed were nit characteristic of a spill-over conflict from neighboring areas. Rebel groups were accused of using of child soldiers, unlawful taxation, beatings and summary executions. Moreover, HRW claimed that government troops were responsible for mass killings, the burning of entire villages, rape and other similar actions. For more information on the Bush War and its immediate aftermath: Human Rights Watch: State of Anarchy Rebellion and Abuse against Civilians Central African Republic: A Deepening Crisis 6 HRW Executive Summary September

7 Canisius College The information provided in this timeline was synthesized from the BBC s Central African Republic Profile August - Last historic armed group - Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) - signs peace deal. November - New Seleka rebel coalition rapidly overruns north and center of country. January - Séléka rebels agree to halt their advance on Bangui and enter into negotiations with the government. FOMAC troops vow to protect Damara from attack. - South Africa announces it will deploy up to 400 troops in CAR to prevent a coup by Séléka rebels. - Séléka rebels and the government of President Bozizé reach a peace agreement in Libreville, Gabon, under the aegis of ECCAS on January The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopts Resolution 2088, extending the mandate of the Integrated Peacebuilding Office in CAR (BINUCA) until 24, January 2014 and calls for a report of the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) on the situation in CAR and the options of altering BINUCA s mandating. February - Séléka threaten to resume fighting, charging the Bozizé government has not lived up to 11, January peace agreement. March - Seleka rebels overrun the capital and seize power. President Bozize flees. Rebel leader Michel Djotodia suspends constitution and dissolves parliament in a coup condemned internationally. - The UNSC issues a press statement on CAR and strongly condemns the recent seizure of power on 24 March 2013 by the Séléka coalition. August - Coup leader Michel Djotodia is sworn in as president. UN Security Council warns CAR poses a risk to regional stability. UN chief Ban Kimoon says CAR has suffered a "total President Bozize breakdown of law and order". September - Djotodia dissolves Seleka coalition. He is criticsed for failing to control the fighters. October - UN Security Council approves the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force. It would support African Union troops already on the ground and French troops controlling the airport. December - With turmoil continuing in the country and rival Muslim and Christian fighters accused of killing hundreds of people, France steps up its deployment of troops to 1,600 in a bid to disarm the militias. 7

8 2014 January - Interim president Michel Djotodia resigns over criticism that he failed to stop sectarian violence. Catherine Samba-Panza takes over as interim leader. February - Violence continues, with attacks on Muslims a major element of the conflict. March - France accuses the EU of shirking its international responsibilities after the apparent collapse of an EU plan to send troops to the CAR. April - UN Security Council authorizes a peacekeeping force of 12,000 troops. May - Troops from the European Union take charge of security at the airport in Bangui. International medical charity MSF suspends most of its work in the country following the murder of three of its workers. July - Three days of mourning after the killing of 26 in a church compound, where thousands had taken refuge. For the full BBC Country Profile: BBC - Central African Republic Profile *CBC News African Union Soldier and Civilian 8

9 From Civil War to Genocide? Please view the following documentary posted by VICE News on the current strife in the Central African Republic between the Seleka and Anri-Balaka. War in the Central African Republic - VICE News This film should be watched with the following questions in mind: What countries, organizations, and factions are at play? When did the religious attacks begin Who are the important figures in the Seleka and Anti-Balaka? What do the journalists cite as the root cause(s) for the current stage of conflict? Are there any successes thus far that may lead to peace? As is evident throughout the VICE news documentary, the conflict has grown into a religious divide between anti-balaka and the Seleka fighting groups. While no label is universal, the general consensus is that the anti-belaka militia is a reactionary Christian force formed against the majority Muslim Seleka. Moreover, to further confuse the situation, religion in the Central African Republic is heavily influenced by the many animist religions native to the region. Therefore, the typical aspects of the Christian and Muslim tradition are, in some cases, different than that upheld by those that adhere to these religions in other parts of the world. Militias in the Central African Republic are Using Black Magic to Protect Them from Rockets - VICE News International Action and Interventions It is important to note the reactions of the following members of the international community. Note: Summaries are meant to portray an unbiased/non-condemning image of each country or organization. Interpretations should take into account additional research to assure a balanced view. France Francophone Africa Since granting full independence to its colonial holdings throughout Africa in the 1960s, France has continued to hold a strong presence in the area. In recent history, French troops were sent to Mali to stabilize the state and hold back Tuareg rebels and Islamist radicals. The government also holds substantial military installations several African states including Chad, Eritrea, and Senegal. In reaction to the humanirian and security crisis in the Central African Republic, France has sent several contingents to the capital city of Bangui to attempt 9

10 stability and de-militarization. The original contingency consisted of approximately 400 troops, and the number has increased over the past two years. Please note that this number is subject to fluctuation and should be monitored for accuracy. South Africa South Africa is known for its growing economic power and international influence as a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and has had the attention of the international community for the past decade. President Zuma of SA sent 400 troops to support President Bozize of the CAR and help hold the capital city of Bengui. However, they were withdrawn on March 27, 2013 after losing badly 3 days prior to the Seleka attack. Thirteen of the soldiers were killed and nearly 30 were wounded. President Zuma of South Africa came under intense scrutiny after information came to light concerning his extensive financial ties through his nephew Khulibuse Zuma an executive of DIG Oil, active in the CAR and Democratic Republic of Congo. As if to solidify the accusations, South African had also send 1000 troops under the UN mandate to the Congo have been used to secure the same arias in which DIG Oil operates in the Congo. In both the CAR and the Congo, rebel groups spoke out against the use of South African military. The presence of South Africa Troops in both cases caused increased tension between government and rebel leaders further destabilizing the situation as a whole. United States Currently, the United States has a large amount of aid going to Africa, and specifically to the CAR, in an effort to relieve civilian suffering. These programs include, but are not limited to health care, hygiene stations, food, and shelter assistance. The actions of USAID and OFDA are coordinated to maximize effectiveness and efficiency. *These figures are current as of July 11, Source: OFDA - Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance The United States does not have any soldiers participating in military action or peacekeeping service at this time. 10 *USAID Central African Republic

11 The following link will direct students to the USAID Central African Republic page: The following link will direct students to the USAID Fact Sheet which reports the programs currently at work in the Central African Republic. Please compare fact sheet information to the USAID map provided below. Central African Republic - Complex Emergency Link to original USAID map: USAID CAR Map 11

12 United Nations Humanitarian Crisis Currently the United Nations is working to help several thousand children caught in the crossfire of the CAR. In an effort to reach the children (250,000, children under the age of 5 immunized against measles, 100,000 children participate in temporary learning spaces, 2,000 children released from armed forces and groups) the UN has estimated its costs to be approximately $81 million (USD). Moreover, the United Nations has seen a fall in aid donations and has an extremely strained budget due to the relief required in other crisis notably Syria. In October of 2012 the humanitarian relief branch of the United Nations began scrambling for cash. Antonio Guterres, the UN high commissioner for refugees at the time, noted that Africa s conflicts had been forgotten due to the immense strain caused by needs in the Middle East. He further noted that this lack of support was especially stark in the Darfur region of Sudan and the Central African Republic. For further information on this topic please follow these links: Humanitarian Action for Children: UNHCR Chief Says His Agency Lacks Cash to Look After Victims of Conflict Peacekeeping Mission MINUSCA The UN Mission took over the duties of MISCA, the preceding African-led mission, on 15 September The international UN contingency will initially comprise up to 10,000 military personnel consisting of 240 military observers, 200 staff officers and 1,800 police personnel. MINUSCA - United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic Fighting in CAR has taken on an increasingly sectarian nature following a 2012 coup and has since grown more brutal with reports of ongoing human rights violations and reprisal attacks between largely Christian anti-balaka and mostly Muslim Séléka rebels that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people both inside and outside the country, and left 2.2 million in need of humanitarian aid

13 In a trip to the Central African Republic in early April 2014, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- Moon urged more action in the war torn country lest history repeat itself. Ironically, the date of his speech was aligned with the 20-year anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide between the Hutus and the Tutsis (two major identity groups in the country). Ban Ki-Moon stated, The international community failed the people of Rwanda 20 years ago, and we are at risk of not doing enough for the people of the CAR today. He continued to suggest that the Security Council pass a resolution sending 12,000 peacekeepers to the CAR. The people of CAR should not have to run and die while the world decides whether to keep its promise, he said in Bangui, the capital. Speaking to an audience of CAR citizens, Mr. Ban said, You have waited long enough. For more information on this speech and its implications: U.N. Leader Urges Action in Central African Republic Developing Resolutions In light of the intense contextual information provided, it is important to view the conflict as holistically as possible in an attempt to find a solution. Please refer to the following questions when forming your view of the crisis in the Central African Republic. Remember, the teeth of a resolution come from specific goals with specific solutions. What are the origins of the conflict in the CAR? o Who were the original players and where did they come from? o What did they hope to achieve through the violent engagement? What are the important pieces to the game what are people fighting over? Hint: Much like a board game, players often fight for pieces Natural resources? Land? Technology? Economic development? Wealth? Political power? What international players are/have participated in this crisis? o For what reason(s) did they enter into the conflict? o What were their goals in doing so? Have the dynamics of the conflict changed over time, or have the root problems remained the same? If the root problems have remained the same, how does this affect your recommendations for UN Security Council action? If they have changed, how do the changes affect your recommendations? What can be done in the short term to halt the progression of the genocide and strife in the Central African Republic? And what can be done do deal with the consequences of conflict, like displaced persons and refugees? What might a long-term strategy designed to put the country in a sustainable state of peace and stability look like? 13

14 Recent Resources Mapping Central African Republic s Bloodshed. Al Jazeera interactive feature. International community has obligation to help Central African Republic rebuild, says Ban. UN News Centre, 26 September UN Secretary-General. Communiqué on High-Level Meeting on Central African Republic. 26 September At UN, transition leader urges support as war-torn Central African Republic pursues peace, reconciliation. UN News Centre, 27 September ReliefWeb. Central African Republic: Refugee Situation UNHCR Regional Update. European Commission. Central African Republic: EU trust fund starts delivering support to population. 29 September The Hague: Court Plans Investigation Into Central African Republic Crimes. New York Times, 24 September Reconciliation in Central African Republic 'a distant prospect.' DeutschWelle, 25 September CAR cyclists rise above ethnic divisions. Al Jazeera, 18 September