Published August 22, 2012 By Amelia Whitehead Briefing CCPPR12CF Report available in PDF and Flash formats

The Central African Republic (CAR) has long been plagued by violence and political repression. Military control has been the norm in the post-independence period, with the sole instance of civilian rule in the country’s history lasting for only 10 years under the government of Felix Patasse, from 1993 to 2003. The current president, General Francois Bozize, rose to power following a 2003 coup d’état. Though the 2005 elections were generally considered free and fair, the 2011 presidential elections were mired in controversy, undermining trust in the federal government. Conflict over diamond-producing territories and claims of ethnic discrimination have also resulted in periodic outbreaks of violence.

CAR faces a number of obstacles to its development. Fighting between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and government forces continues, causing the number of displaced persons in the region to swell. The United States and the European Union have increasingly recognized the threat posed by the LRA to central African stability, and in December 2011 agreed to provide the Bozize government with additional assistance in combating the rebels. The signing of peace accords with various rebel groups in 2011 significantly decreased the level of violence in the country; however, the country’s growth rates continue to lag due to the lack of basic infrastructure.

Previous Profiles for Central African Republic: 2011

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Latest Update: 2012-08 Amelia Whitehead
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