Séléka

Quick Facts: Who was Séléka?

Subject:

Séléka

Known for:

A powerful, complex rebel coalition that briefly controlled the Central African Republic.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Séléka CPSK-CPJP-UFDR was an alliance of rebel militia groups that subjugated the Central African Republic (CAR) on 24 March 2013. After its official dissolution in September 2013, the remaining rebel groups became known as Ex-Séléka. Séléka leader Michel Djotodia became the nation's president from March 2013 until his resignation in January 2014.

Career & Major Achievements

Members of Séléka were almost all Muslim. The word seleka means "coalition" or "alliance" in Sango, one of the CAR's two national languages, the other being French.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The international media has shortened the full name Séléka CPSK-CPJP-UFDR (which incorporates the abbreviations for its component organisations) to la Séléka in French and Seleka in English. The term Séléka had been used previously in CAR politics when Jean-Jacques Démafouth launched the political party New Alliance for Progress (French: Nouvelle Alliance pour le Progrès) with the Sango name Fini Seleka.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2013: 2013 Milestone — Séléka CPSK-CPJP-UFDR was an alliance of rebel militia groups that subjugated the Central African Republic (CAR) on 24 March 2013.

Notable Quotes by Séléka

“We have killed, murdered and violated, but what happened, happened” (2019)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Séléka

True or False: “True or false: The Séléka coalition was composed of diverse ethnic groups with no shared religious affiliation.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The text explicitly states that members of Séléka were almost all Muslim, indicating a strong shared religious component to the alliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Séléka