ICC Note: A year after a cease-fire was signed between the two warring parties in the Central African Republic, violence continues to persist, making daily life for some Christians fearful and uncertain. Through the course of the conflict, which remains largely politically motivated, both Muslims and Christian non-combatants have been scapegoated and targeted because of their faith, especially in northeastern CAR. In addition, according to reports, Christians are being abducted and killed by Fulani herdsmen in the region, much like the persecution believers are facing in “Middle-Belt,” Nigeria. According to reports, the herdsmen have burned down churches and homes, and have displaced scores of Christians from their homes.
7/29/15, Central African Republic (World Watch Monitor) – On 25 July 2014, a ceasefire was signed between the two main warring groups in the Central African Republic: a predominantly Muslim rebel coalition known as Séléka, and violent vigilante groups who opposed their advance through the country, which became known as the “anti-Balaka” (“Balaka” means “machete”).
A year later, the Central African Republic may have dropped out of global news headlines, but the suffering of its people has continued.
International intervention by UN forces helped to restore security in the cities its forces occupied, but it left the interior largely unprotected and open for armed militias. UN troops have been accused of not doing enough to protect the local population and even of committing atrocities themselves.
The Séléka rebel movement, together with the local Muslim population (consisting of mainly Chadian and Sudanese migrant descent and Fulani Mbororo herdsmen) continues to dominate the north and east of the country, while the anti-Balaka holds sway in the south and west, virtually dividing the country into two halves.
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