Central African Republic Civil War

Quick Facts: Who was Central African Republic Civil War?

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Central African Republic Civil War

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A protracted and complex civil conflict marked by shifting alliances, ethnic tensions, and foreign intervention.

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Origins & Early Life

The Central African Republic Civil War is an ongoing civil war in the Central African Republic (CAR) involving the successive governments, rebels from the former Séléka coalition, the Anti-balaka militias, and various foreign and international forces. In the preceding Central African Bush War (2004–2007), the government of President François Bozizé fought with rebel groups until a peace agreement was signed in 2007. The current conflict began when a new coalition of rebel groups, known as Séléka, accused the government of failing to implement the peace agreements. The coalition captured several towns in 2012 before seizing the capital in 2013. Bozizé fled the country, and the rebel leader Michel Djotodia declared himself president.

Career & Major Achievements

Renewed fighting began between Séléka and militias opposed to them called Anti-balaka. In September 2013, President Djotodia disbanded the Séléka coalition, which had lost its unity after taking power, and resigned in 2014. He was replaced by Catherine Samba-Panza, but the conflict continued. In July 2014, ex-Séléka factions and Anti-balaka representatives signed a ceasefire agreement. By the end of 2014, the country was de facto partitioned with the Anti-Balaka controlling the south and west, from which most Muslims had evacuated, and ex-Séléka groups controlling the north and east.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who was elected president in 2016, ran and won the 2020 election, which triggered the main rebel factions to form an alliance opposed to the election called the Coalition of Patriots for Change, which was coordinated by former president Bozizé. Peacekeeping largely transitioned from the ECCAS-led MICOPAX to the African Union-led MISCA to the United Nations-led MINUSCA, while the French peacekeeping mission was known as Operation Sangaris. In July 2025, a peace agreement was achieved, in which 3R and UPC, the two largest remaining rebel groups, disarmed and dissolved in a public ceremony. Much of the tension is over religious identity between Christian Anti-balaka and Muslim Séléka, and ethnic differences among ex-Séléka factions, and historical antagonism between agriculturalists, who largely comprise Anti-balaka, and nomadic groups, who constitute most Séléka fighters. Other contributing factors include the struggle for control of diamonds and other resources in the resource-rich country and for influence among regional powers such as Chad, Sudan and Rwanda and foreign powers such as France and Russia.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2004: 2004 Milestone — In the preceding Central African Bush War (2004–2007), the government of President François Bozizé fought with rebel groups until a peace agreement was signed in 2007.
2. 2012: 2012 Milestone — The coalition captured several towns in 2012 before seizing the capital in 2013.
3. 2013: 2013 Milestone — In September 2013, President Djotodia disbanded the Séléka coalition, which had lost its unity after taking power, and resigned in 2014.
4. 2014: 2014 Milestone — In July 2014, ex-Séléka factions and Anti-balaka representatives signed a ceasefire agreement.
5. 2016: 2016 Milestone — Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who was elected president in 2016, ran and won the 2020 election, which triggered the main rebel factions to form an alliance opposed to the election called the Coalition of Patriots for Change, which was coordinated by former president Bozizé.
6. 2025: 2025 Milestone — In July 2025, a peace agreement was achieved, in which 3R and UPC, the two largest remaining rebel groups, disarmed and dissolved in a public ceremony.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Central African Republic Civil War

True or False: “The initial peace agreement signed in 2007 between the government and the UFDR was finalized in Birao.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that on April 13, 2007, a peace agreement between the government and the UFDR was signed in Birao.

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