Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 02/2015

The Central African Republic's Hidden Conflict

December 2014

International Crisis Group

Abstract

In its latest briefing, The Central African Republic’s Hidden Conflict, the International Crisis Group examines a dangerous conflict-within-a-conflict requiring urgent action by the transitional government and its international partners. Targeted by anti-balaka militias and ex-Seleka fighters, many pastoralist communities are left in extreme poverty and forced to flee. Tens of thousands cross the border to Cameroon and Chad where, in turn, land pressure intensifies. Many of the victims seek retribution or join armed! 20 groups to survive, becoming actors in a conflict that divides communities and damages a pillar of the traditional economy.