CAR Ranked as One of Africa’s Most Insecure Countries
Bangui, Central African Republic - The Central African Republic (CAR) has been ranked as one of the most insecure countries in Africa, plagued by widespread corruption and organized crime.
State Actors Operating Outside the Law
According to a recent report, many state actors in CAR operate outside the law, cooperating with criminal groups and engaging in illegal activities such as:
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Wildlife trafficking
The government’s efforts to combat organized crime have been hampered by:
- Corruption
- Lack of capacity
- Limited rule of law
Foreign Actors Involved in Criminal Networks
The report highlights the involvement of foreign actors in various criminal networks, including:
- Human and arms trafficking
- Diamond and gold smuggling
- Illegal logging
Chinese and Russian companies are particularly accused of being key players in these illicit activities.
Weak Leadership and Governance System
The country’s leadership and governance system have been criticized for being weak and corrupt. Political elites have been known to engage in illicit trade, and the government has failed to implement transparency and accountability measures.
Judicial System and Law Enforcement Agencies
The judicial system is plagued by corruption and lack of capacity, with most prisoners held in pre-trial detention. Law enforcement agencies are similarly ineffective in combating organized crime, due to:
- Corruption
- Lack of resources
Economic Environment
The country’s economic environment is dire, with a significant informal sector and illegal mining activities contributing to:
- Money laundering
- Tax evasion
The customs system is unreliable, and businesses often bribe officials to gain tax exemptions.
Civil Society Organizations and Media Environment
Civil society organizations are weak and focused more on conflict-related issues than organized crime. The media environment is corrupt and dangerous, with journalists who have reported on corruption scandals facing:
- Intimidation
- Detention
- Killing
Those responsible for these crimes continue to enjoy impunity.
Recommendations
The report concludes that the CAR’s security sector is heavily reliant on foreign actors, including Russian mercenaries, which raises concerns about intimidation and violent harassment of civilians by foreign combatants. The country’s fragile state and lack of capacity make it vulnerable to external manipulation and exploitation.
The international community has been urged to provide support to the CAR in addressing its deep-seated corruption and security challenges, but the country’s leaders must also take concrete steps to address these issues and restore trust among its citizens.