Crisis Group Report Examines Problems in Central African Republic

The International Crisis Group, an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that works to resolve and prevent violent conflict around the world, has published a new report on the Central African Republic. The report, published December 13 and available on the Crisis Group's web site, is titled "Central African Republic: Anatomy of a Phantom State."

According to the Crisis Group, the Central African Republic has become a "phantom state," largely as a result of ongoing violence and corruption. However, the Crisis Group notes, troops from the European Union and the United Nations could play a role in helping the Central African Republic through its troubles as they try to prevent the situation in Darfur from spreading. In its most recent study, the Crisis Group takes a look at the humanitarian and institutional problems in the Central African Republic and offers possible ways for the European Union and the United Nations to help move the country forward.

Daniela Kroslak, Africa Research Director for the Crisis Group, says, "A succession of mutinies and rebellions has produced a permanent crisis. Right now, foreign troops mostly contain the violence in the capital, but the north is desperate and destitute."

Since the Central African Republic held elections some fourteen years ago, the Crisis Group says, the country has suffered from a civil war which has resulted in the loss of security control by the Central African Republic government. Government corruption is rampant, and repression of the population is without consequence. The Crisis Group says that the military has used harsh repression measures that have resulted in the fleeing of around 100,000 citizens, while it is estimated that hundreds of citizens have been executed.