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Central African Republic

CAR & AfDB: $150M for Community Reconstruction – Phase II

by James Carter Senior News Editor November 8, 2025

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Central African Republic’s $113 Million Reconstruction Plan: A Blueprint for Stability or a Missed Opportunity?

Over 800,000 Central Africans – more than half of them women – are poised to benefit from a significant injection of funding aimed at rebuilding communities shattered by years of conflict. On October 22, 2025, the Central African Republic (CAR) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) launched the second phase of the Support Programme for Reconstruction of Grassroots Communities (PARCB-2), a $113 million initiative. But beyond the immediate impact, this program represents a crucial test case: can targeted investment in youth, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience truly break the cycle of instability in one of the world’s most fragile states?

PARCB-2: Building on Fragile Gains

The launch, symbolized by President Faustin Archange Touadéra laying the foundation stone for a new building at the University of Bangui, signifies a renewed commitment to human capital development. PARCB-2 builds upon the foundations laid by previous phases (PARCB-1 and PARCB-1 Additional), expanding its reach into the administrative zones of Ouaka, Haute-Kotto, and Basse-Kotto – areas particularly hard hit by the ongoing crisis. This expansion is critical, as localized conflict and economic hardship continue to plague these regions.

The AfDB’s strategy is clear: leverage the demographic dividend offered by CAR’s young population. Country Programme Manager Boye Kissagne emphasized the Bank’s intention to prioritize youth engagement in the coming years. This focus is reflected in the program’s commitment to provide vocational training and support to nearly 5,000 unemployed young people aged 15-25, aiming for their long-term economic and social integration. However, the success of this initiative hinges on creating sustainable employment opportunities beyond the training period.

Beyond Agriculture: Diversifying the Economic Base

While PARCB-2 rightly prioritizes bolstering the agriculture and livestock sectors – specifically poultry farming, fish farming, beekeeping, and dairy production – its success will depend on diversifying economic opportunities. The program also includes support for crafts and the mining industry, recognizing the potential for these sectors to contribute to local economies. However, the mining sector in CAR is often linked to conflict and illicit financial flows. Transparent governance and responsible resource management will be paramount to ensure that benefits reach local communities and don’t exacerbate existing tensions.

Institutional capacity building is a key component of PARCB-2, aiming to equip national structures with the tools for better local governance. This is a vital, often overlooked, aspect of reconstruction. Without strong, accountable local institutions, even well-intentioned programs can falter. The program’s emphasis on sustainability is commendable, but requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure long-term impact.

Climate Finance: A Necessary Investment in Resilience

The allocation of $8 million to climate finance is a particularly forward-thinking element of PARCB-2. The Central African Republic is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and desertification. Strengthening the adaptation and resilience of communities is not just an environmental imperative, but a crucial step towards long-term stability. Investing in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management will be essential to protect livelihoods and prevent future conflicts over scarce resources.

The Role of Microfinance and Local Partnerships

The program’s recognition of the importance of microfinance institutions and local service providers is also encouraging. These actors play a critical role in delivering services and fostering economic activity at the grassroots level. However, ensuring equitable access to finance and support for marginalized groups – particularly women – will be crucial to maximizing the program’s impact.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development

The success of PARCB-2 is not guaranteed. The Central African Republic faces a complex web of challenges, including political instability, weak governance, and a history of conflict. External factors, such as regional security dynamics and global economic shocks, could also undermine progress. However, the program represents a significant opportunity to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all Central Africans.

The AfDB’s commitment to supporting CAR is commendable, but sustained engagement and a long-term perspective will be essential. Furthermore, fostering greater collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and the private sector will be crucial to ensuring the program’s success. The focus on youth empowerment and climate resilience offers a promising pathway towards sustainable development, but requires careful implementation and ongoing monitoring. The true measure of PARCB-2’s success won’t be the amount of money spent, but the lasting improvements in the lives of the people it aims to serve.

What are your predictions for the long-term impact of PARCB-2 on the Central African Republic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

November 8, 2025 0 comments

world

CAF Ex-Chief: War Crimes Jail Sentence 🌍⚽️⚖️

by James Carter Senior News Editor July 24, 2025

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

The ICC Verdict in CAR: A Turning Point or a Fleeting Justice for Mass Atrocities?

Over 1,000 civilians perished in the December 2013 clashes in Bangui, a stark illustration of the brutal sectarian violence that has plagued the Central African Republic for a decade. Now, the convictions of Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona and Alfred Yekatom by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity represent a landmark moment – but whether it signals a genuine shift towards accountability, or remains a symbolic victory, is far from certain.

The Weight of the Verdict: Ngaïssona, Yekatom, and the Anti-Balaka

The ICC’s sentencing of Ngaïssona to 12 years and Yekatom to 15 years stems from their roles in coordinating attacks against the Muslim population during the 2013-2014 crisis. Ngaïssona, the former head of the CAR’s football federation and a key figure in the anti-Balaka militias, was found guilty of providing funds and instructions to these groups. Yekatom, known as “Rambo,” a former MP, was convicted for leading fighters who perpetrated widespread atrocities, including murder, torture, and horrific acts of violence. The sheer scale of the evidence – over 170 witnesses and nearly 20,000 items – underscores the systematic nature of the crimes.

Understanding the Roots of the Conflict

To grasp the significance of these convictions, it’s crucial to understand the context. The 2013 coup by the Séléka, a predominantly Muslim rebel group, triggered a violent backlash from the anti-Balaka, largely comprised of Christian militias. This spiraled into a brutal sectarian conflict, exploiting existing religious and political tensions. The prosecution successfully argued that Ngaïssona and Yekatom deliberately targeted Muslims, framing them as “enemies of the nation,” and authorized attacks that included unspeakable acts of brutality. This wasn’t simply opportunistic violence; it was a calculated strategy of persecution.

Beyond Bangui: The ICC’s Impact and Limitations

The ICC’s intervention in the CAR is significant. It’s the first extradition from the country to the court, signaling a potential willingness from the CAR authorities to cooperate with international justice mechanisms. However, the ICC faces inherent limitations. Its jurisdiction is limited, and it can only prosecute a small number of individuals responsible for the most serious crimes. The convictions of Ngaïssona and Yekatom, while important, represent just the tip of the iceberg.

Furthermore, the recent dissolution of two rebel groups, while a positive step, doesn’t guarantee lasting peace. The underlying issues of poverty, inequality, and political exclusion remain unaddressed, creating fertile ground for future conflict. The ICC’s work must be seen as part of a broader strategy that includes national reconciliation efforts, security sector reform, and sustainable development initiatives.

The Future of Justice in the CAR: A Fragile Peace?

The convictions raise a critical question: can justice truly be served in a country grappling with such deep-seated trauma and ongoing instability? The CAR’s legal system is weak, and impunity remains a significant problem. While the ICC provides a crucial avenue for accountability, it cannot replace the need for robust national institutions capable of investigating and prosecuting crimes at the local level.

A key challenge lies in balancing the pursuit of justice with the need for reconciliation. Overly punitive measures could exacerbate tensions and hinder efforts to rebuild trust between communities. Transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth-telling initiatives and reparations programs, may be necessary to address the grievances of victims and promote healing. The success of these efforts will depend on the political will of the CAR government and the support of the international community.

The case also highlights the complex intersection of politics, sport, and conflict. Ngaïssona’s background as a football official and his subsequent election to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) raised concerns about the normalization of individuals implicated in atrocities. This underscores the need for greater scrutiny of those in positions of power and a commitment to upholding human rights principles across all sectors of society.

Ultimately, the ICC verdict is a crucial, but insufficient, step towards justice in the Central African Republic. Sustained international engagement, coupled with a genuine commitment to national reconciliation and institutional reform, will be essential to prevent a relapse into violence and build a more peaceful and just future. What steps can the international community take to ensure the CAR doesn’t fall back into the cycle of violence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

July 24, 2025 0 comments

world

Kimberley Process Stalemate Persists as Russia Blocks Ukraine War Diamond Talks

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief November 30, 2024

written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Kimberley Process Stalemate Persists as Russia Blocks Discussion on Diamond Funding for Ukraine War

Canada participated in the 21^st Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process on Conflict Diamonds, held November 12-15 in Dubai, reaffirming its commitment to the initiative while criticizing Russia’s ongoing obstruction. “Canada participated in the 21^st Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process on Conflict Diamonds held from November 12 to 15, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a founding member, Canada values this multilateral forum for the role that it has played in breaking the link between conflict and diamonds since its founding in 2003.”

Russia’s Veto Throws Spotlight on Need for Kimberley Process Reform

“Unfortunately for the third year in a row, Russia blocked participants from discussing the role that the sale of its rough diamonds plays in funding its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Canada continues to support Ukraine’s call that the Kimberley Process address how Russian diamonds are fuelling its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Kimberley Process’s inability to examine this issue underscores the need for meaningful reform, in particular by expanding the definition of conflict diamonds, so it remains a legitimate conflict prevention mechanism. Canada, a leading rough diamond producing country, is committed to this work and will continue to push for a definition in keeping with modern demands and expectations.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established in 2003, aims to prevent the trade of “conflict diamonds” – rough diamonds used to finance war and violence. However, Canada argues its effectiveness is hindered by the organization’s current definition of conflict diamonds, a definition Russia has successfully wielded to prevent any discussion of its diamonds potentially fueling the war in Ukraine.

Canada Advocates for Modernized Definition of Conflict Diamonds

“wpaert from its geopolitical implications,” said a Canadian official, “this situation also highlights broader concerns about the Kimberley Process’s relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape. We need a definition that reflects the realities of the 21st century.”

Canada, which holds a prominent position in the global diamond industry, is urging the Kimberley Process to adopt a broader definition of conflict diamonds, one that accounts for the increasingly complex financing of conflict and instability. This renewed focus on updating the KPCS comes after years of debate within the organization about its scope and effectiveness.

Progress in Central African Republic Offers a Beacon of Hope

Despite the ongoing stalemate over Russia’s diamonds, Canada celebrated the successful lifting of rough diamond export restrictions on the Central African Republic (CAR), a key decision secured during the Dubai meeting.

“Canada was pleased to contribute efforts that saw the lifting of rough diamond export restrictions, subject to continued enhanced vigilance measures, in the Central African Republic (CAR). This development will allow the citizens of the CAR to benefit from their rough diamond resource wealth while ensuring compliance with the Kimberley Process requirements.”

The restrictions on the CAR, imposed in 2013 due to concerns over government corruption and human rights abuses, stifled the country’s diamond sector and deprived it of significant revenue. After years of reform efforts and increased transparency, the Kimberley Process agreed to lift the sanctions, recognizing the CAR’s progress and commitment to ethical diamond production. The decision paves the way for the CAR to utilize its diamond resources for sustainable development and economic growth.

What are Canada’s proposed reforms to the Kimberley Process, and why are they being pushed?

## Kimberley Process Stalled:‌ Can it Keep Blood Diamonds Out of the⁤ Market?

**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the ongoing stalemate within the ‍Kimberley⁣ Process is [Name of Alex Reed], a [Alex Reed’s Title and Expertise]. Welcome to the show!

**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.

**Host:** Let’s dive right in. The Kimberley Process, designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market, seems to be facing a significant roadblock. Can you explain what’s happening?

**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. The Kimberley Process, which was established over twenty years ago, prevents diamonds used to ‍finance violence from entering the global market. ‌However, its effectiveness is being challenged by the current conflict in Ukraine. ⁢Russia, a major diamond producer, is blocking discussions on whether its diamond sales might be directly funding its war efforts. This is the third year in a row that Russia has taken this stance, creating a major impasse.

**Host:** So, Canada, ⁣a founding member of the Kimberley Process, is expressing concerns about this situation. What are their specific demands?

**Alex Reed:** Canada, along with many other‍ nations,‍ argue that the Kimberley Process needs to modernize its definition of “conflict diamonds.” Currently, the definition is quite narrow and outdated. It needs to ⁢be broadened ⁢to ‌encompass situations where a country’s diamond revenues may be used to fuel acts of‍ aggression ‍or international conflict, as we see in Ukraine. Canada is ⁢pushing for this reform to ensure the Kimberley ⁣Process remains an effective tool⁤ for preventing diamonds from fueling violence.

**Host:**⁣ This raises some very important questions. Is there‍ any hope for a resolution⁢ to this stalemate?

**Alex Reed:** It’s a challenging situation. There is a clear ⁣need for⁤ reform within the Kimberley Process, but Russia’s veto power makes consensus difficult to achieve. The international ‌community needs‌ to work together⁤ to find a compromise that addresses both the humanitarian concerns surrounding the war in Ukraine and the broader goal of ensuring a‍ truly conflict-free diamond trade. The future of the Kimberley Process depends on it.

**Host:** [Name of Alex Reed], ‌thank you ‍for shedding light on this complex issue. This‌ is a crucial debate⁢ with far-reaching implications. We appreciate ‌your insights.

**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.

November 30, 2024 0 comments

News

The ICC prosecutor dropped the charges against the former leader of the CAR paramilitary group

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief November 2, 2024

written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Karim Khan said his office had concluded there was no longer any reasonable prospect of a conviction, even if the charges were upheld.

The ICC later announced that Mr. Mokomas had been released.

Mokom was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity over alleged brutal attacks on Muslim civilians in CAR, a former French colony. In 2013 and 2014, they were carried out by irregular military groups that declared themselves as his self-defense forces.

One of the world’s poorest countries has been embroiled in a bloody religious conflict since the Seleka rebels, an alliance of mainly Muslim armed groups, overthrew then CAR president Francois Bozize in early 2013.

In response to the seizure of power, they formed themselves as “anti-Balakaniks”, meaning machetes (balaka), widely used by the Seleka rebels, the self-styled Christian militant group M. Mokomo.

M. Mokomas himself denied having contributed to the bloodshed and told ICC judges in August that he was dedicated to the search for peace.

He said he returned to CAR from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo at the height of the violence in February 2014.

The leader of “Antibalakininkai” was accused of leading attacks on civilians, murders, rapes and robberies.

Mr Khan said the decision to drop the charges was made after considering all the evidence and the changed circumstances surrounding the opportunity to interview witnesses.

“I understand very well that this news may be difficult for many survivors and their families,” he added. “I hope many will understand my legal and ethical responsibility to follow the law and the evidence.”

Isolated attacks continue

Mr Khan said his office reserved the right to issue a new arrest warrant if more evidence emerged.

A warrant was first issued for Mr. Mokom in 2018, and Chadian authorities finally handed it over to the ICC last year.

Established in 2002, the ICC is the world’s only independent tribunal that can prosecute individuals accused of the world’s most serious crimes.

Anti-Balakan attacks on Muslim civilians continued after Seleka forces withdrew from the capital, Bangui, at least until December 2014.

The peace agreements signed in 2017 and 2019 are still not being followed in CAR.

Numerous armed groups, insurgents and attackers continue to wage a guerrilla campaign and carry out isolated attacks against the country’s military, which is backed by mercenaries from the Russian private military company Wagner.

International non-governmental organizations and experts mandated by the United Nations regularly accuse both sides of crimes and abuses against civilians.

Two former leaders of the “anti-balakin” – Patrice-Edouard Ngaisona and Alfred Yekatom – are already on trial at the ICC.

Last year, Seleka commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani denied charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in court.

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#ICC #prosecutor #dropped #charges #leader #CAR #paramilitary #group

**Interview with‍ Dr.‌ Emily Hart, International Law Expert**

**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Hart. Thank you ⁤for joining us today. The‌ recent withdrawal of charges ⁤against Maxime Mokom by the ICC has sparked considerable discussion. What are your initial thoughts on this decision?

**Dr.⁣ Hart:**‌ Good⁣ afternoon! Yes, the withdrawal of charges against Mokom is indeed a significant‍ development. It raises questions about the efficacy of war crime ⁢prosecutions and the challenges prosecutors face, particularly in complex⁢ conflict ⁢situations like the Central African Republic.

**Interviewer:** Prosecutor Karim Khan mentioned that there was no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction. What factors might contribute to such a determination?

**Dr. Hart:** There are⁤ several factors to consider. In this case, it appears that changes in circumstances, particularly regarding witness testimonies, played a crucial role. Additionally, the availability of credible evidence is‍ paramount in such cases. If⁤ the evidence is deemed insufficient or unreliable, it hampers the ‌possibility of a‍ successful prosecution.

**Interviewer:** Mokom has denied the allegations and⁤ claims he sought⁤ peace in CAR. How does this complicate the narrative surrounding ⁤his case?

**Dr. Hart:** It complicates things significantly. On one hand, you have the gravity of the accusations—serious crimes like⁢ murder and rape.⁤ On the ⁣other hand, Mokom’s ‌narrative of returning ‍to the country to pursue peace adds layers ⁤of complexity. It’s ⁤critical for the ICC to balance these conflicting narratives while adhering to the‌ legal standards of ‌proof.

**Interviewer:** The ICC has indicated it may ⁤issue new arrest warrants if further evidence emerges. How common‌ is this in international legal proceedings?

**Dr. Hart:** It’s ⁢not unusual at‍ all. International proceedings often have to adapt as new evidence comes to light or as circumstances change. The ICC’s ability to respond to ⁤evolving situations is crucial for maintaining flexibility in ⁤pursuing justice.

**Interviewer:** ‌What implications does⁣ this case hold for survivors and families seeking justice in CAR?

**Dr. Hart:** The‌ news is likely to be devastating for many survivors and‌ their families.⁤ It highlights⁣ the difficult reality of seeking justice in post-conflict settings, where legal processes can sometimes fail to meet the expectations of those impacted by violence. However, it is also an important reminder of the necessity for prosecutors to adhere to legal standards, ‍even in emotionally ⁤charged cases.

**Interviewer:** what lessons should the international community take from this situation?

**Dr. Hart:**⁣ One key lesson is that while international justice is vital, the path to achieving⁢ it is fraught with challenges.⁢ It emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations and the need for⁤ legal mechanisms to be equipped to handle ‌the ‍complexities of modern conflicts. Continuous support for conflict-affected regions is also necessary to build a sustainable path⁢ toward peace and ⁤accountability.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hart, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue.

**Dr.⁣ Hart:** Thank you ‍for having me! It’s‌ an important conversation, and I hope it helps raise awareness about ‍the complexities of international justice.

November 2, 2024 0 comments

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