For all intents and purposes, the Central African Republic, CAR, is gradually descending into oblivion - especially on the humanitarian, economic and political fronts. Since March 24, 2013 when a disparate rebel alliance known as Sèléka took over power in the capital, Bangui, sending erstwhile leader, François Bozizé fleeing into exile, the country has never been the same. After months of recurrent looting by Sèléka troops, the country is now in doldrums, thanks to the apparent indifference and isolation of the international community.
New Rulers, New Trouble
The takeover of power by Michel Djotodia's troops turned an already worrisome situation into a virtual catastrophe. For a country beset by decades of misrule and corruption, the situation in CAR could not be worse today. Instead of being the new saviours they earlier promised to be, Sèléka has instead worsened the situation of the country through incessant and indiscriminate looting. Even the Presidency was looted in the aftermath of the coup! Private homes, businesses, diplomatic missions, churches, etc, have not been spared in the rampage. Understandably, this has had devastating consequences on the economy, agriculture, health and general life in the country, scaring potential donors and aid workers away.
International Isolation
Though an 18-month transition programme endorsed by CEMAC sub regional leaders is underway, the process remains largely in limbo as the country is bankrupt and has been unable to pay workers for some time now. Perhaps, the most noticeable of the faces of the problem is the looming food and health crisis. A group of five international charities last week warned that malaria morbidity and mortality rates have reached alarming levels as a result of the looting of health facilities and generalised insecurity that prevent health workers and farmers from returning to work. All this, the charities explained, is partly because the donor community has literally turned its back on CAR, making it a forgotten crisis. Also, the country remains suspended by the African Union since the coup.
Religious Intolerance, Political Class
There have been suggestions that the targeting of churches and Christian places for looting by soldiers might be part of a wider agenda to Islamise the country. Though the government has repeatedly refuted the allegations, CAR Christian leaders who have called for forgiveness and reconciliation, appear reticent in supporting the transitional regime of Michel Djotodia.
While the Central African Republic goes through one of the most trying time in its history, the political class, hitherto quite active and vocal in the days of former President François Bozizé, appears to be indifferent to the situation. With unruly Sèléka soldiers still to be completely brought under control by FOMAC sub-regional troops, everyone seems to fear for their safety and are thus powerless and unable to do much.
Meddling By Neighbours
It is an open secret that Michel Djotodia and his men were able to launch their rebellion and get to power with the tacit support of neighbouring countries. For example, some of Sèléka's fighters are said to be Chadians and Sudanese and President Djotodia is reported to have used these countries as rear bases for his troops at the start of the rebellion. Consequently, it is suggested in some quarters that if Chadian and Sudanese authorities were to get more actively involved, it could help put an end to the current deadly stalemate political in CAR.
Endowed But Poor!
Though endowed with natural resources such as diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil and hydropower, CAR remains a poor country. This is worsened by its landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force and a legacy of misrule and misdirected macroeconomic policies. Its per-capita Gross Domestic Product - the country's economic output divided by the population of 5.1 million people - is just 800 U.S. Dollars (about FCFA 403,000), putting the country in 222nd position out of 228 countries.
For now, the future of the Central African Republic hangs in the balance. In spite of Michel Djotodia's declaration upon seizing power last March that a new page had opened in the country's history and that the coup would pave way for peace and democracy, it remains to be seen what will happen in the coming weeks. Will the country weather the storm or ... ?
