Central African Republic: the people are waiting for the return of the State (Denise Brown)

(B2) Seven months after a peace agreement signed between armed groups and government authorities, security is improving (a little) in the Central African Republic, but the humanitarian situation is not

Passing through Brussels, Denise Brown, Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic, appointed in March 2019, explains the situation.

The three biggest problems: child soldiers, sexual violence and health risks

Despite " armed groups have signed agreements in which they undertake not to use child soldiers », this practice has not disappeared. This is partly linked to the fact that young people aged 14-18 don't have a proper education, job or hope for the future ". " There is nothing easy in the Central African Republic, especially if you are a child”. Rape remains pervasive, with the movement of people across the country not helping to control the situation, while " the justice system is weak ". Added to this is a real risk linked to Ebola because the health system has collapsed. " The refugees, the majority of whom are in Cameroon, if they decide to return [...] will put pressure on the little that exists in the Central African Republic. »

Fewer armed conflicts, more crime

If there is one progress to note, it is that people [are] on the streets again », a sign of a renewed sense of security. However, " the country needs to be rebuilt, [because] there has been massive destruction. And it takes a long-term effort ". Another problem, the armed groups need to find another way to generate income since they signed the peace accords. This implies " an increase in violence related to criminal activity ". The end of the clashes therefore does not prevent the situation from remaining unpredictable ". Moreover, in the north of the country, a " beginning of conflict [...] between two armed groups" emerges, "the first time since the peace agreement ».

The expected return of the state

In the end, everything is linked to the absence of the state in the country. In some areas, there is only " la MINUSCA and the humanitarians present ". As for the impact of the country's security sector reforms, "oWe can see a greater presence of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and government police. They launched a call for recruitment and received an overwhelming number of applications.. Finally, " the people want [above all] a restoration of state authority ».

(Clara Gauntlet, st.)

Comments collected during a press briefing on September 20 in Brussels.

Read also:

• The arms embargo on the Central African Republic will be eased. Objective: to facilitate the rise of local security forces (September 2019)
• The situation remains serious in the Central African Republic. The deployment of the FACA is progressing (March 2019)
• Central African Republic. Government and armed groups sign a peace agreement. The eighth of its kind (February 2019)
• The situation is getting worse in the Central African Republic. The UN calls for not turning a blind eye (December 2018)