Central African Republic Research Articles

Hotspot or blind spot? Historical perspectives on surveillance and response to epidemics in the Central African Republic.

The Central African Republic (CAR), a site of recurrent disease emergence, developed a noteworthy epidemiological surveillance system from the colonial period, but its health measures have remained among the world's lowest. To understand this disparity between surveillance and public health, we examined selected moments in its history of surveillance and changing relations with public health structures. We conducted archival research in CAR and French archives and 18 semi-structured interviews with key researchers working in CAR. We find long-term continuities in privileging surveillance over the health system and population health, making the CAR a "hotspot" for emerging diseases and a "blind spot" of primary health care. From the colonial period, the country attracted considerable support for surveillance, without concomitant investment in public health system. Political disputes and financial constraints have obscured real primary care needs on the ground. As both a hotspot and a blind spot for global health, the CAR signals the need to reorient health interventions to address the long-term health of Central African people.

A comparative analysis of the institutional capacity of FLEGT VPA in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Ghana, Liberia, and the Republic of the Congo

Illegal logging has received international attention in recent years. For instance, the aim of the European Union Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Action Plan (FLEGT) and its Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) is to combat illegal logging and foster good governance and trade in legal wood products. Using a theoretically framework derived from literature on institutional capacity for “good forest governance,” we conducted a comparative analysis of the potential and realized capacities of VPA processes for advancing principles of good forest governance and the implementation of the Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS) in Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), Ghana, Liberia, and the Republic of Congo (Congo) as well as the challenges that hinder the implementation of VPAs. Based on information gathered from multiple sources, we found that VPA processes do have potential capacities for advancing information transparency, multi-stakeholder participation, and TLAS. Important progress is, however, constrained by complex political and technical issues. Unlike in Ghana, Liberia, and Congo, where progress and realized capacities are more pronounced, the realized capacities of VPAs in Cameroon and the CAR are limited. While there are prospects for making progress in these latter countries, such challenges as weak and inconsistent legal frameworks, insufficient financial resources, and long-term conflicts have slowed down the implementation of VPAs. Modest investment in capacity building and enhanced political will could have a significant effect on the realized capacities.

Analysis on Technical Efficiency in the Process of Exploitation Palm Oil in Lobaye Locality, Central Africa Republic

The present was carried out of Technical Efficiency in the Process of Exploitation Palm Oil in Lobaye Locality, Central Africa Republic. Primary data used in the study were collected through well-structured questionnaire administered with 150 randomly selected oil palm processors in the study area. Descriptive statistics, analysis and the Stochastic Frontier Production Function were used to analyze the data. The average technical efficiency of agricultural production by farmers on a variable scale of yield is 0.81. This means that agricultural production will increase by 0.68% compared to the current level of inputs. The result shows that 0.95% of the sample is the technical efficiency of the variable scale inputs. This means that agricultural production can be increased. Results have shown that productivity is significantly influenced by producer education in the area of yield. It is recommended that policies improve the training of producers in order to build capacity to continuously increase their regular production.

In the Streets and at the Table: Civil Society Coordination during Peace Negotiations

Abstract When bringing armed conflicts to a peaceful end, the inclusion of civil society in peacemaking is a vital task. However, whereas previous research on civil society inclusion has made significant advancements, surprisingly little attention has been paid to analyzing how civil resistance and mass action may interact with more elite-driven approaches during peace processes. This study addresses this research gap by examining the interplay between elite and mass-based civil society approaches in three different peace processes in civil wars in Africa in the post-Cold War period: Liberia, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Burundi. We advance the literature by developing a framework that focuses on coordination of these different efforts and we explore this interplay empirically. With this study, we aim to broaden the research agenda, allowing for future synergies at the research frontier of mass action and the inclusion of civil society in peace processes.

Intrastate Conflict and International Peacekeeping Operations in the Central African Republic (CAR)

Intrastate Conflict and International Peacekeeping Operations in the Central African Republic (CAR)

Analysis of Precipitation and Temperature Variability over Central Africa (1901-2015)

Africa is already experiencing the impact of climate change. Some of the manifestations of climate change in Africa are, changing weather patterns resulting in, flooding and drought. Temperature change has impacted health, livelihoods, productivity of food, availability of water, and state of security. This study examines the long-term climate variations in Central African Countries (Gabon, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Chad and Democratic Republic of Congo) for the period 1901 to 2015, and then investigates the possible influence of increases in greenhouse gas concentrations. To investigate climate patterns and trends in the Central African Countries, precipitation and temperature were analyzed on annual time scales using data collected from the World Bank Group Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Data was further aggregated using annual average blocks of 10 years. Linear and polynomial regression was performed. Also, linear time series slopes were analyzed to investigate the spatial and temporal trends of climate variability in Central African countries. Results of the analyses indicated that the mean annual temperature and precipitation records in some of the Central African Countries had both warming and cooling trends over the study period from 1901 to 2015. For example, differences between the maximum and the minimum rainfall data for Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Gabon were 13 mm, 13 mm and 11.1 mm, which corresponded to 11.04%, 10.03% and 10.44% respectively. The study also found the temperature of Chad to have significantly risen from 1901 to 2015 by almost 20%, while its rainfall’s variation was limited. Although the variation in rainfall in Chad was not dramatic, the temperature per 10 year rose by almost 20%. Chad’s temperature rose according to a cubic model from about 24.5°C to just below 27°C during the period 1901-1940. This was followed by a brief drop between 1940 and 1960. From 1960 to 2015 it rose according to the model to almost 28°C. By 2040 the temperature is expected to reach about 29.5°C if this trend continues. Gabon was found to be the wettest country in Central Africa. Between 1901 and 1960, its average rainfall rose from about 144 mm to a maximum of approximately 160 mm. It had a general average rainfall/10 year’s increase from 1901 to 2015. The paper concludes by outlining policy recommendations in the form of improving national and regional environmental policies and regulations in the region, community involvement in decision making processes both at local and the national levels so as to contribute their input in the daily management of the forest resources, poverty alleviation in the region as well as building regional information system (RIS) incorporating Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing and other environmental and socio-economic data to help reduce anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.

Epidemioclinical and Progressive Aspects of the Adult Hemorrhagic Stroke in Bangui

Introduction: Hemorrhagic strokes in the elderly constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency and, by their frequency and severity, determine a public health problem. Goal of the Study: To elucidate knowledge and make our contribution to the study of this pathology (describe the epidemioclinical and evolutionary aspects of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents in adults in Bangui). Methodology: It was a retrospective study with descriptive and analytical aims covering a period of two years (2) from January 2017 to December 2018, conducted in the Neurology department of the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital. Results: During the study, 255 patients were hospitalized for stroke, including 20 cases of AVCH, representing a hospital frequency of 7.8%. The average age was 60.05 years with extremes ranging from 50 to 78 years. The most represented age group was that of 50 to 60 years with a sex-ratio (M/F) of 1.2. Civil servants were more represented (35%) followed by housewives (25%). Alcohol was the main risk factor (95%) followed by hypertension (80%) and tobacco (40%). Most of the patients (75%) were admitted to the care facilities before 6 am (75%). Lethality was 35%. There was a significant statistical link between the Glasgow score and death (p = 0.007). In this series, 75% of the cases had sequelae dominated by hemiparesis (75%) and aphasia (25%). Conclusion: First study in the Central African Republic, with a high frequency, shows that the AVCH of the elderly poses a public health problem. Requires great mass awareness in order to reduce its mortality rate.

Serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of human Salmonella enterica in Bangui, Central African Republic, from 2004 to 2013

Limited epidemiological and antimicrobial resistance data are available on Salmonella enterica from sub-Saharan Africa. We determine the prevalence of resistance to antibiotics in isolates in the Central African Republic (CAR) between 2004 and 2013 and the genetic basis for resistance to third-generation cephalosporin (C3G). A total of 582 non-duplicate human clinical isolates were collected. The most common serotype was Typhimurium (n = 180, 31% of the isolates). A randomly selected subset of S. Typhimurium isolates were subtyped by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat polymorphism (CRISPOL) typing. All but one invasive isolate tested (66/68, 96%) were associated with sequence type 313. Overall, the rates of resistance were high to traditional first-line drugs (18-40%) but low to many other antimicrobials, including fluoroquinolones (one resistant isolate) and C3G (only one ESBL-producing isolate). The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolate and three additional ESBL isolates from West Africa were studied by whole genome sequencing. The blaCTX-M-15 gene and the majority of antimicrobial resistance genes found in the ESBL isolate were present in a large conjugative IncHI2 plasmid highly similar (> 99% nucleotide identity) to ESBL-carrying plasmids found in Kenya (S. Typhimurium ST313) and also in West Africa (serotypes Grumpensis, Havana, Telelkebir and Typhimurium). Although the prevalence of ESBL-producing Salmonella isolates was low in CAR, we found that a single IncHI2 plasmid-carrying blaCTX-M-15 was widespread among Salmonella serotypes from sub-Saharan Africa, which is of concern.

What drives mortality among HIV patients in a conflict setting? A prospective cohort study in the Central African Republic

BackgroundProvision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in conflict settings is rarely attempted and little is known about the expected patterns of mortality. The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to have a low coverage of ART despite an estimated 110,000 people living with HIV and 5000 AIDS-related deaths in 2018. We present results from a cohort in Zemio, Haut-Mboumou prefecture. This region had the highest prevalence of HIV nationally (14.8% in a 2010 survey), and was subject to repeated attacks by armed groups on civilians during the observed period.MethodsConflict from armed groups can impact cohort mortality rates i) directly if HIV patients are victims of armed conflict, or ii) indirectly if population displacement or fear of movement reduces access to ART. Using monthly counts of civilian deaths, injuries and abductions, we estimated the impact of the conflict on patient mortality. We also determined patient-level risk factors for mortality and how the risk of mortality varies with time spent in the cohort. Model-fitting was performed in a Bayesian framework, using logistic regression with terms accounting for temporal autocorrelation.ResultsPatients were recruited and observed in the HIV treatment program from October 2011 to May 2017. Overall 1631 patients were enrolled and 1628 were included in the analysis giving 48,430 person-months at risk and 145 deaths. The crude survival rate after 12 months was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90, 0.93). Our model showed that patient mortality did not increase during periods of heightened conflict; the odds ratios (OR) 95% credible interval (CrI) for i) civilian fatalities and injuries, and ii) civilian abductions on patient mortality both spanned unity. The risk of mortality for individual patients was highest in the second month after entering the cohort, and declined seven-fold over the first 12 months. Male sex was associated with a higher mortality (odds ratio 1.70 [95% CrI 1.20, 2.33]) along with the severity of opportunistic infections (OIs) at baseline (OR 2.52; 95% CrI 2.01, 3.23 for stage 2 OIs compared with stage 1).ConclusionsOur results show that chronic conflict did not appear to adversely affect rates of mortality in this cohort, and that mortality was driven predominantly by patient-specific risk factors. The risk of mortality and recovery of CD4 T-cell counts observed in this conflict setting are comparable to those in stable resource poor settings, suggesting that conflict should not be a barrier in access to ART.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of community health workers in the fight against malaria in the Central African Republic (2012-2017).

This last decade's ongoing conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) has led to gradual and continuous destruction of health services. With severe gaps in qualified health professionals, community health workers (CHWs) have become essential to ensuring health care access to the affected population. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-y CHW program in the CAR. Routine case management data from CHWs were collected in the Paoua district from January 2012 to December 2017 and analysed. Structured interviews were conducted in the Paoua and Carnot health districts among individuals from three different groups (health service beneficiaries, CHWs and health facility managers). From 2012 to 2017, 353948 people consulted for malaria suspicion with CHWs and 86% were found to be malaria positive after a rapid diagnostic test. Among those diagnosed patients, 98.5% received adequate treatment and nearly 1.5% were referred to health facilities. Also, 94.5% of respondents identified fever as the major malaria symptom. About 70% of the population could identify three malaria signs/symptoms and 84.4% accepted and used CHW services. Interviews with CHWs revealed that 45.8% of them received at least four training sessions per month as part of their capacity building. CHWs can be a resourceful solution when other health professional are scarce. This study showed that CHWs are not only able to deliver curative and preventive health services, but they are also well accepted by the served communities.

Detection of circulating hepatitis B virus immune escape and polymerase mutants among HBV-positive patients attending Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Central African Republic

BackgroundPrevious studies in the Central African Republic (CAR) have reported the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recombinant genotype E/D and a suspicion of immune escape mutants (IEMs), without further investigation into their impact on prevention and diagnosis. Consequently, this study investigated HBV mutations among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients attending Institut Pasteur de Bangui in the CAR. MethodsSera from a total of 118 HBsAg-positive patients with no previous history of HBV treatment or vaccination at the Institut Pasteur de Bangui, were sampled between 2017 and 2019. Subsequently, the region spanning the surface and polymerase genes of HBV was amplified by PCR and sequenced. HBV sequences were genotyped/subgenotyped by phylogenetic analysis and serotyped based on predicted amino acid residues at positions s122, s127, s140, s159, and s160. They were then analyzed for HBV IEMs and polymerase mutations. ResultsThe region spanning the surface and polymerase genes was successfully amplified and sequenced for 51 samples. Of the HBV sequences, 49 were genotype E and two were genotype A subgenotype A1; these were serotyped as ayw4 and ayw1, respectively. Potential IEMs sY100C, sA128V, and sM133T, and several polymerase mutants were identified. ConclusionsThis study raises awareness of the need for further studies to be conducted on a large scale to better understand HBV mutations for improved disease control and prevention strategies in the country.

The ILO Convention 169 and the Central African Republic: from catalyst to benchmark

ABSTRACTIn ratifying the ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO 169) in 2010, the Central African Republic (CAR) became the first African country to join the Convention. Following the ratification of the Convention, the CAR has engaged in a process of integration of the Convention within its national political and legal system. However, due to the widespread conflicts that has marked the country since 2013, the process of implementation of the Convention and the rights of indigenous peoples have greatly suffered. The conflict has had seriously impact on indigenous peoples of the country who have been severely affected by the violence. With this in mind, the aim of this article is to offer an overview on some of the main issues faced by indigenous peoples in the country and to offer some analysis on the potential impact that the ILO 169 has had and could have in the future.

A systematic review of the epidemiology of human monkeypox outbreaks and implications for outbreak strategy.

Monkeypox is a vesicular-pustular illness that carries a secondary attack rate in the order of 10% in contacts unvaccinated against smallpox. Case fatality rates range from 1 to 11%, but scarring and other sequelae are common in survivors. It continues to cause outbreaks in remote populations in Central and West Africa, in areas with poor access and weakened or disrupted surveillance capacity and information networks. Recent outbreaks in Nigeria (2017-18) and Cameroon (2018) have occurred where monkeypox has not been reported for over 20 years. This has prompted concerns over whether there have been changes in the biology and epidemiology of the disease that may in turn have implications for how outbreaks and cases should best be managed. A systematic review was carried out to examine reported data on human monkeypox outbreaks over time, and to identify if and how epidemiology has changed. Published and grey literature were critically analysed, and data extracted to inform recommendations on outbreak response, use of case definitions and public health advice. The level of detail, validity of data, geographical coverage and consistency of reporting varied considerably across the 71 monkeypox outbreak documents obtained. An increase in cases reported over time was supported by literature from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Data were insufficient to measure trends in secondary attack rates and case fatality rates. Phylogenetic analyses consistently identify two strains of the virus without evidence of emergence of a new strain. Understanding of monkeypox virulence with regard to clinical presentation by strain is minimal, with infrequent sample collection and laboratory analysis. A variety of clinical and surveillance case definitions are described in the literature: two definitions have been formally evaluated and showed high sensitivity but low specificity. These were specific to a Congo-Basin (CB) strain–affected area of the DRC where they were used. Evidence on use of antibiotics for prophylaxis against secondary cutaneous infection is anecdotal and limited. Current evidence suggests there has been an increase in total monkeypox cases reported by year in the DRC irrespective of advancements in the national Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. There has been a marked increase in number of individual monkeypox outbreak reports, from outside the DRC in between 2010 and 2018, particularly in the Central African Republic (CAR) although this does not necessarily indicate an increase in annual cases over time in these areas. The geographical pattern reported in the Nigeria outbreak suggests a possible new and widespread zoonotic reservoir requiring further investigation and research. With regards to outbreak response, increased attention is warranted for high-risk patient groups, and nosocomial transmission risks. The animal reservoir remains unknown and there is a dearth of literature informing case management and successful outbreak response strategies. Up-to-date complete, consistent and longer-term research is sorely needed to inform and guide evidence-based response and management of monkeypox outbreaks.

An efficient technique for a time fractional model of lassa hemorrhagic fever spreading in pregnant women

Lassa hemorrhagic fever is a lethal and transmissible disease, whose outbreaks were first witnessed in Central Africa Republic, Liberia, Nigeria, Guinea and Sierra Leone. This deadly disease kills pregnant women more than the Ebola hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of about 80%. A new analysis with the proposed time fractional lassa hemorrhagic fever model for pregnant women patients is carried out. The numerical solution to this model is found using the fractional variation iteration method. The convergence of solution by the presented scheme is illustrated. The gained results are discussed using figures. The figures show the variation of susceptible, infected, recovery and death population of pregnant women with time. The results divulge that the presented scheme is reliable, highly effective and easy to use.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Worst Country for Food Insecurity

Africa Research Bulletin: Economic, Financial and Technical SeriesVolume 56, Issue 6 p. 22608A-22608B Policy and Practice CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Worst Country for Food Insecurity First published: 06 August 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6346.2019.08989.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume56, Issue6August 2019Pages 22608A-22608B RelatedInformation

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) of three West African countries: A faunistic update, barcoding analysis and trypanosome occurrence

Horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are of medical and veterinary importance since they transmit a range of pathogens. The horse fly fauna of tropical Africa is still poorly known, and in some geographical areas has not been studied for decades. This study summarizes the results of tabanid collections performed in three West African countries where only sparse data were previously available, the Central African Republic (CAR), Gabon and Liberia. Of 1093 collected specimens, 28 morphospecies and 26 genospecies belonging to six genera were identified, including the first findings of eleven morphospecies in the countries where horse flies were collected: Philoliche (Subpangonia) gravoti Surcouf, 1908 and Tabanus ianthinus Surcouf, 1907 are new records for Liberia; Ancala fasciata f. mixta (Surcouf, 1914), Tabanus fraternus Macquart, 1846, and T. triquetrornatus Carter, 1915 for CAR; Chrysops longicornis Macquart, 1838, Haematopota albihirta Karsch, 1887, H. bowdeni Oldroyd, 1952, and H. brucei Austen, 1908 for Gabon; and Tabanus secedens f. regnaulti Surcouf, 1912 and T. thoracinus Palisot de Beauvois, 1807 for Gabon and Liberia. Species identification of all 28 morphospecies based on morphological features was further supplemented by barcoding of cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Based on the COI sequences of 115 specimens representing 74 haplotypes, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to illustrate the relationships among the tabanid species found and to demonstrate their intra- and interspecific divergences. Our study enriches the current number of barcoded tabanids with another 22 genospecies. Based on the analysis of molecular data we question the taxonomic relevance of the morphological forms Ancala fasciata f. mixta and Tabanus secedens f. regnaulti. A parasitological survey based on nested PCR of 18S rRNA revealed a high (˜25%) prevalence of Trypanosoma theileri in the studied horse flies, accompanied by two species of monoxenous trypanosomatids, Crithidia mellificae and Blastocrithidia sp.

The Bemba Appeals Chamber Judgment: Impunity for Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes?

On June 8, 2018, a majority of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) reversed the conviction of former military commander Jean-Pierre Bemba for the crimes against humanity of rape and murder and the war crimes of rape, murder, and pillaging committed by his troops in the Central African Republic (CAR) between October 2002, and March 2003. The decision was clearly a disappointment for the victims of the crimes committed by Bemba’s troops, who have been waiting for more than fifteen years for a measure of justice. Significantly, the acquittal also means that sixteen years after the Rome Statute came into force, and despite increasing recognition of the prevalence of sexual violence in the situations under the jurisdiction of the court, the ICC has yet to issue a single, final conviction for the crime of sexual violence. A number of commentators have critiqued various aspects of the judgment, including the standard of review used by the Appeals Chamber. However, with few exceptions, little of this commentary has focused on the impact of the Appeals Chamber’s analysis of command responsibility under Article 28 of the Rome Statute on sexual and gender-based crimes. We argue that the majority’s decision — in particular, its analysis of the necessary and reasonable measures that a commander is required to take to avoid liability under Article 28 — lacks the kind of insight that a critical gender analysis would have offered. We conclude that absent reconsideration, the Court’s jurisprudence on modes of liability will remain a major obstacle to the successful prosecution of cases of sexual and gender-based crimes at the ICC, especially for high-ranking accused who either did not clearly order the crimes or were not physically present during the commission of those crimes.

A cluster of the first reported Plasmodium ovale spp. infections in Peru occuring among returning UN peace-keepers, a review of epidemiology, prevention and diagnostic challenges in nonendemic regions

BackgroundPlasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri are regarded as less virulent forms of malaria with a geographic distribution including Southeast Asia, Central and West Africa, and is increasingly reported as an infection in returning travellers. A species of malaria that may have delayed or relapsing presentations similar to Plasmodium vivax, the clinical presentation of P. ovale spp. has been described to have prepatent periods of 2 weeks or slightly longer with reports of relapse following primary infection out to 8–9 months. This presentation may be obscured further in the setting of anti-malarial exposure, with report of delayed primary infection out to 4 years. Presented is a cluster of 4 imported P. ovale spp. cases in returning Peruvian military personnel assigned to United Nations peace-keeping operations in the Central African Republic.Case presentationFrom January to December 2016, Peruvian peace-keepers were deployed in support of United Nations (UN) operations in the Central African Republic (CAR). While serving abroad, Navy, Army, and Air Force members experienced 223 episodes of Plasmodium falciparum malaria following interruption of prophylaxis with mefloquine. Diagnosis was made using rapid diagnostics tests (RDTs) and/or smear with no coinfections identified. Cases of malaria were treated with locally-procured artemether-lumefantrine. Returning to Peru in January 2017, 200 peace-keepers were screened via thick and thin smear while on weekly mefloquine prophylaxis with only 1 showing nucleic acid within red blood cells consistent with Plasmodium spp. and 11 reporting syndromes of ill-defined somatic complaints. Between a period of 5 days to 11 months post return, 4 cases of P. ovale spp. were diagnosed using smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) following febrile complaints. All cases were subsequently treated with chloroquine and primaquine, with cure of clinical disease and documented clearance of parasitaemia.ConclusionThese patients represent the first imported cases in Peru of this species of malaria as well as highlight the challenges in implementing population level prophylaxis in a deployed environment, and the steps for timely diagnosis and management in a non-endemic region where risk of introduction for local transmission exists.

Russia in the Central African Republic: Exploitation Under the Guise of Intervention

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a country in conflict and despite UN actions, it remains exceedingly violent, unstable and unable to alleviate the conditions that place it at almost the very lowest 2017 Human Development Index ranking. Recently Russia has stepped up to intervene with provisions and training. Draped in a guise of assistance with UN Security Council approval, Russia is fulfilling its own ends. While arms sales increase Putin’s support in the Russian military-industrial complex domestically, training allows for Russian actors to be placed in country. The arming and training CAR’s government forces as well as rebel factions enables Russia to influence all sectors while leveraging these opposing sides to further develop a powerful Russian stronghold in CAR. Russian personnel in CAR, with additional to troops in nearby Sudan, provide state actors to direct activities for Russia’s benefit in rebel controlled areas with great natural resource value. The 2018 diplomatic agreements specifically allow Russia to access CAR’s natural resources and clearly identify Russia’s economic interests in CAR. The impact of controlling CAR’s resources is enhanced by Russian seaport access in Sudan. Combined, internationally approved Russian arms and personnel for training create the means for Russia to exploit CAR’s conflict. Russia gains influence over both the CAR government and rebels, access resources, and builds strategic and logistical strength in CAR as well as on the Red Sea, all, while dynamically balancing Chinese interests in the African continent.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: New Inclusive Cabinet

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: New Inclusive Cabinet