Central African Republic (CAR): Peace and stability is a long way off

Repeated attacks and killings are taking place in the country. There follows a selection from April 2022:

• 6 April 2022: At least three people were wounded when the rebel group "˜Coalition for Change" (CPC) attacked a humanitarian convoy belonging to the NGO Action Against Hunger, in Basse-Kotto situated about 550 km east of Bangui.
• 8 April 2022: Ten civilians were reported to have been killed by anti-Balaka militants in a Peul herdsmen camp in Zawa-Yaloke (250 kilometers from Bangui). 30 cattle were also killed and several houses burnt down (HumAngle, 11 April 2022).
• 10 April 2022: Anti-Balaka militiamen of the faction supporting President Touadera killed a further ten civilians in the Peul breeding camp in Bakadili. Over 100 cows were rustled by the assailants (HumAngle, 12 April 2022).
• 11-12 April 2022: 20 people were reported to have been killed in Gordile and Ndah in joint operations between government forces and Russian mercenaries (Wagner Group) in the search of rebels.

World Watch Research analyst Yonas Dembele comments: "Fighting and attacks persist in CAR. Like many Sub-Saharan countries, there are various issues at play - including the rise of Islamic militancy in the region - which are complicating the return of peace and stability. The involvement of foreign mercenaries who are only financially motivated, may further worsen the already volatile situation and will not contribute to long term peace and security which are requisite conditions for the full enjoyment of religious rights."