Central Africa Republic, by Shea Nolan

 The Central African Republic or CAR for short is a landlocked country in Central Africa. The CAR covers a land area of about 239,383 square miles and has an estimated population of about 4.4 million. In 1960 The CAR declared its independence from France, and has since been under leadership of Presidents or Emperors. Though having many higher figures throughout its history and having various natural resource of gold, timber, diamonds and uranium, it’s among the poorest nations in the world.

              An anti-government coalition of rebels named Seleka over through President Francois Bozize, the latest in a series of coups since the nation gained independence. They accused the President of reneging on a peace deal and demanded that he step down. Months earlier the two sides came to a deal to form a unity government led by the president. The deal fell apart as the rebel group pushed north toward the capital of Bangui, while seizing towns along the way. Upon the rebels reaching the capital they sent the President fleeing to Cameroon.

            Not having a centralized government the nation plunged into chaos! Unable to control the people and having no political structure, political turmoil arose along with looter. Also, violence swept the streets where many people were injured and killed. Aid agencies arrived to help the pledged city, but were only pushed away in fear of the rebels violent acts; the rebels prevented seriously injured people from going to heath facilities. As a result, an unknown number of people have been killed in high risk areas where it’s near impossible to access by aid agencies. Those people that could escape fled into forests or areas not inhabited by rebels. About 400,000 people have been displaced according to the United Nations, that’s nearly ten percent of the population.

            Now having control of the government, the Seleka named its commander, Michel Djotodia as the new leader of the nation. As the new leader, Djotodia placed some of the rebel fighters into the army.

            Being so far away, why should we care? Well The CAR is surrounded by countries struggling to overcome from years of conflict. If this area is continuously ignored a ripple effect is bound to happen sending The CAR and the surrounding country’s into further turmoil. Furthermore, The CAR is believed to be a hideout for Joseph Kony. The United States has spent endless resources in the hunt and capture of Kony. Also, the Pentagon said it’s considering sending aircraft to assault the Kony militia. The chaos not only risks destabilizing the region, but it could complicate the Kony mission for the Untitled States.

            Taking action, the French have promised to send an additional 1,000 troops on top of the 400 that are already in place. The troops currently in place are there to protect French nationals and help secure the airport in the capital. Furthermore, the United Nations have devised a plan to introduce a peacekeeping force that would eventually replace the MISCA. It’s projected about 6,000 peacekeeper troops and 1,700 police personal will be put forth in the project.

            It’s vital that this area is brought back to health by the UN and other countries, not only for the capture of Kony, but for the greater good of the people. Also, intervention from the UN and other nations allows other rebel groups to understand that no inhumane actions will be tolerated. This would give The CAR the ability to create and form a stable democracy.