The Central African Republic is not safe, despite the peacekeepers – International Crisis Summit must agree on new measures

Following a new wave of politically motivated killings and massacres of the civilian population in the Central African Republic, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) demands an International Crisis Summit to discuss effective measures to stop the escalating violence. "The Central African Republic is still not safe – despite the 7.000-strong peacekeeping mission by the European Union and countries of the African Union. On average, there are about 90 victims every week," reported Ulrich Delius, the STP's Africa-consultant in Göttingen on Wednesday. "In many parts of the country, state order and the economy have collapsed. Without a comprehensive concept for relief supplies, reconstruction and profound political reforms, the war-torn country will experience even more violence." 

On Tuesday night, it became known that a French journalist was killed while working on a photo report about armed militias in the Central African Republic. Before, at the end of April 2014, two journalists had been killed. Journalists have called for a nationwide one-day strike on May 7, as a form of protest against the attacks on media representatives. 

Especially in the rural areas, there are still not enough measures to protect the civilian population from attacks by Seleka or Anti-Balaka militias. Both militias are fighting mainly to gain control over the gold and diamond mines, in order to finance their armed struggle or to enrich themselves personally by means of illegal trade. 

Only last Saturday, 13 people were burned alive in a massacre that Seleka-militias and Peul fighters committed in the village of Dissikou. The fighters had locked up villagers inside a hut and set it on fire. "Every week, there are reports about new massacres against the civilian population. While the Seleka fighters mostly pursue Christians, the Anti-Balaka militiamen chase the Muslims and the Pygmies," said Delius. 

Two thirds of the schools in the Central African Republic have now been closed for more than six months. Around 2.5 million of the 4.6 million inhabitants are dependent on humanitarian aid supplies. 600.000 people in the country are on the run, 360.000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The expulsion of about 90,000 Muslims, most of whom worked as traders, has brought down the economy.

Ulrich Delius, head of STP's Asia department, is available for further questions: +49 551 49906 27 or afrika@gfbv.de.