(Photo from Marcus Bleasdale)
In recent weeks, the world has taken notice of the urgent crisis unfolding in the Central African Republic (CAR). Following months of widespread violence against civilians and an explosion of humanitarian need, mainstream media outlets and international governments have finally started talking about the escalating situation in CAR, which one UN official warned could lead to genocide. Even Buzzfeed took a break from its normal pop-culture GIFs to highlight the crisis last week.
In short, a rebel coalition called Seleka overthrew the government of CAR through a violent coup in March of this year. Seleka fighters, comprised of several Central African rebel groups as well as Chadian and Sudanese mercenaries, have committed acts of brutal violence against civilians in CAR, particular in the capital city of Bangui and the country’s northwest countryside. In recent months, communities in CAR have developed self-defense militias called “anti-balaka” groups to fight the rebels that have been terrorizing their communities. The anti-balaka groups are also reportedly attacking and killing civilians that they suspect of supporting Seleka. What started as a political coup to overthrow the government has quickly spiraled into an urgent crisis of widespread violence against civilians, increasing threats of sectarian rifts, and massive humanitarian need. More than 500 people were killed in just the last few days and more than 400,000 people remain displaced in Bangui alone, in desperate need of protection and humanitarian assistance.
Invisible Children has been monitoring the situation closely with the help of our very brave staff on the ground in CAR and our advocacy team in Washington, DC. As an organization founded on a belief in the inherent and equal value of all human life, and as a community that wants to help build a world where genocide and mass atrocities no longer exist, the crisis in CAR is something we all should be learning about, talking about, and seeking to help end.
That said, our Director of Civic Engagement, Lisa Dougan – who was just in Banugi last month — put together this rundown of what’s been happening in CAR, how it relates to the LRA, and what we’re been doing about it.
Additionally, Lisa is working closely with other organizations in Washington, DC, and New York to explore what else Invisible Children can do to help effectively address the situation in CAR. There’s a chance we may call on you to raise your voices and engage your policymaker, so stay tuned. In the meantime, stay informed.
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