New approach to peace needed in the Central African Republic

The report argues that the Central African Republic remains trapped in a cycle of violence despite numerous peace agreements, most recently the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. It finds that the 2019 agreement is untenable because key provisions, such as the creation of mixed special security units (MSSUs) and an inclusive government, have failed to deter armed groups from continuing violence and controlling territory. The author highlights a 'war economy' where armed groups and some government officials benefit from instability and the illicit exploitation of resources. Furthermore, the report suggests that heavy reliance on international humanitarian aid has inadvertently reduced state responsibility and created local resentment. It recommends a comprehensive plan involving the African Union, ECCAS, and the UN that focuses on rebuilding the economic fabric, securing borders through regional cooperation with Chad, Sudan, and South Sudan, and establishing time-bound objectives for self-reliance.

• The 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation is considered untenable because its key provisions have not been implemented and signatories have shown a lack of commitment.
• Armed groups continue to dominate the majority of the Central African Republic's territory, where they maintain power by collecting taxes from civilians and mining activities.
• The strategy of co-opting armed groups into the government and security structures has failed, specifically the creation of mixed special security units (MSSUs), which suffered from indiscipline, defections, and a lack of local acceptance.
• The Central African Republic is unable to provide its own security and remains dependent on MINUSCA and bilateral military support from Russia and Rwanda.
• A 'war economy' has emerged that benefits key actors, including some government officials, through the illicit exploitation of raw materials and the diversion of international aid.
• Extensive international humanitarian assistance has had adverse effects by assuming state responsibilities and creating a dependency that reduces government incentive to rebuild a capable state.
• Instability in the Central African Republic is reinforced by regional factors, including porous borders and the presence of armed groups from Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad.

APA

Diatta, M. M. (2021). New approach to peace needed in the Central African Republic. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/car19v2.pdf

Chicago

Diatta, Mohamed M. New approach to peace needed in the Central African Republic. Institute for Security Studies, 2021. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/car19v2.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Diatta |first1=Mohamed M |title=New approach to peace needed in the Central African Republic |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=March 2021 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/car19v2.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{diatta2021new, author = {Diatta, Mohamed M}, title = {{New approach to peace needed in the Central African Republic}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2021}, month = mar, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/car19v2.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }