CAR’s Ethnic Groups Still Hold Sway Despite 2019 Peace Deal

Two years after a peace deal was signed between the government and 14 armed groups, the Central African Republic (CAR) remains in turmoil. The ethnic-based armed groups still control most of the territory, relying on extortion and illegal taxation to fund their activities.

Power Struggle and Corruption

The powerful warlords involved in the illicit taxation of cattle traders have become synonymous with corruption and crime. Some of these groups specialize in specific criminal markets, while unorganized traffickers, bandits, criminals, robbers, road gangs (zaraguinas), smugglers, thieves, and counterfeiters have also proliferated.

Insecurity is rampant, making the CAR one of the most insecure countries in Africa.
The state security services are unable to counter these groups, and many state actors operate outside the law, cooperating with criminal actors.

Weak Governance and Corruption

The CAR’s governance structure is weak, with a lack of citizen participation and rule of law. The government has failed to address corruption, which is rampant at all levels. Diamond trafficking has played a significant role in CAR politics, including at the highest levels of government.

International groups have identified suspicious bank accounts used to divert public funds from the country.
The government’s policy-making capacity is limited, and national policies or laws targeting organized crime are scarce.

Criminal Justice and Security

The judicial system is incapable of combating organized crime, with a large majority of the prison population in pre-trial detention. A special criminal court was established in 2015, but its effectiveness is uncertain.

Law enforcement agencies lack capacity to combat organized crime, and corruption remains a significant problem.
The country’s borders are porous, with no effective border control in place.

Economic and Financial Environment

The CAR’s economic environment is dire, with measures aimed at enhancing economic capacity having little impact. The customs system is unreliable, and businesses often seek tax exemptions through bribery.

There is also no capacity to implement anti-money laundering measures, and foreign banks have detected instances of money laundering in the country.

Victim and witness support is scarce in the CAR. International NGOs have set up trauma centers and counseling services in conflict areas, but there are no policies or campaigns to prevent organized crime.

Civil society organizations are weak and focused on conflict-related issues rather than organized crimes.
The media environment is corrupt and dangerous, with international journalists detained or killed while covering the conflict.

Conclusion

The CAR’s situation remains dire, with no clear solution in sight. The government’s inability to address corruption, lack of effective governance, and porous borders have created an environment conducive to organized crime. Until the root causes of these issues are addressed, the country will continue to suffer from insecurity, corruption, and economic instability.