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CAR Ranked as One of the Most Insecure Countries in Africa

Bangui, Central African Republic - The Central African Republic (CAR) has been described as one of the most insecure countries in Africa due to widespread corruption and criminal activity among state actors, foreign actors, and local businessmen.

Corruption and Criminal Activity

According to a recent report, many government officials are involved in embezzling public funds and money laundering activities. Corrupt state actors also have ties to criminal enterprises, including:

  • Wildlife crime
  • Diamond trafficking

Security Sector Challenges

The country’s security sector is plagued by impunity, with reports of:

  • Summary executions
  • Arbitrary killings
  • Torture
  • Rape
  • Forced disappearances

carried out by the Central African Armed Forces and Russian mercenaries during military operations.

Foreign Actors and Criminal Networks

Foreign actors, including:

  • Chinese companies
  • Wagner-affiliated companies

are also involved in various criminal networks, including:

  • Human trafficking
  • Arms trafficking
  • Illicit gold, diamond, and timber industries
  • Fauna crimes

Some foreign companies operating in the mining sector have been linked to corruption and cooperation with criminal groups.

Governance System Challenges

The country’s governance system is weak, with limited state presence outside of the capital city, Bangui. There is a lack of:

  • Citizen participation
  • Rule of law

which contributes to widespread corruption and insecurity.

Border Control and Economic Capacity

The CAR has porous borders, with local and foreign criminals circulating freely at border crossings. The customs service and gendarmerie, responsible for border control, lack the capacity to effectively monitor illegal activity.

The country is also among the poorest performers in the world against measures of economic capacity, with a:

  • Unreliable customs system
  • Businesses often forced to bribe officials to gain tax exemptions

Civil Society and Media Challenges

Civil society organizations are weak and focused on conflict-related issues rather than organized crime. The media environment is corrupt and dangerous, with local and international journalists facing:

  • Intimidation
  • Detention
  • Killing for reporting on corruption scandals

Anti-Money Laundering Measures

The government’s lack of capacity to implement anti-money laundering measures has led to widespread money laundering, with foreign banks detecting many incidents of money laundering in the country.

Conclusion

In light of these challenges, the CAR continues to be ranked as one of the most insecure countries in Africa, posing significant risks to its citizens and the international community.