In 2013, the majority-Muslim, Séléka coalition, took control of the then Christian-dominated Central African Republic (CAR). In the following months, a Christian militia known as Anti-Balaka rose up in retaliation. Thus, commenced years of conflict, terror and ethnic cleansing that would create over 500,000 refugees and leave over one million people internally displaced. On January 24, 2019 CAR’s government and representatives of 14 rebel groups gathered in Khartoum, Sudan to begin the most recent round of peace talks for the region.

After ten days of negotiation in Khartoum, the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smail Chergui, announced that a deal had been successfully brokered between the stakeholders. A spokesperson for one the rebel groups noted that the agreement includes “amnesty for militia fighters and an inclusive government”. The peace agreement comes as a culmination of efforts between the African Union and UN Mission in the Central African Republic.  

While details of the agreement have yet to be released to the public, experts warn that previous peace deals in the region have collapsed. Nevertheless, The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has praised the deal as being a step towards “lasting peace and stability”, urging all parties to honor their commitments, and asking for support from the international community. Additionally, UN News highlights the recent arrest and trial of Anti-Balaka militia coordinator, Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona. Ngaïssona was brought before the International Criminal Court in January 2019 for violations of international human rights law and war crimes. UN News cites this as another signal of CAR’s move towards stability.

To know more please read:  

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032091

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1031882

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47105774

https://www.unhcr.org/central-african-republic-situation.html