The Ambivalence of Religion in the Central African Republic

Abstract

Since her independence, Central African Republic, (CAR) has endured poor governance, political instability, coups, and underdevelopment. Adding to her minimal population and incredibly impoverished reality, the CAR, is experiencing a deadly conflict. The Government in March 2013, was overrun by a fractious rebel coalition called Seleka, which means Alliance in the indigenous Sango language. Seleka was founded by some members of the Muslim minority in the CAR who lived in the country's isolated northeast. They took advantage of regional and ethnic issues as well as general dissatisfaction with the previous administration. Seleka ultimately oversaw the fall of an already fragile state and the escalation of political and ethno-religious violence while in power. Uncertain motives have led Seleka commanders to supervise what appear to be systematic attacks against Christian villages. Christian-led militias known as "anti-balaka" (or "anti-machete") have viciously attacked Muslims in retaliation, in part.