The Central African Republic government’s efforts to regain control over the country continue to be impeded by clashes between armed groups and economic tensions.
The United Nations Security Council has been warned that the resurgence of violence is threatening to reverse the gains made by President Faustin Archange Touadera’s administration.
Some of the gains made by President Touadera include progress made in civil administration, deploying civil officers, better provision of basic social services to the populace, and revitalizing the defense and security sector.
A report by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that progress is still slow, and fragile gains could derail in the face of resurging violence and weak government institutions outside the capital of Bangui.
Access to financial and human resources also remain challenging, and clashes between armed groups continue to plague the east, center and northeast of the country.
Consultations with armed groups have amounted to little in the way of a ceasefire or a reduction in violence.
The UN Special Representative to the Central African Republic, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, urged the world body to do more to end conflict in the country.
“The country cannot afford more clashes among armed groups seeking opportunity to pillage and exploit natural resources. It is not too late to stop this predatory behavior from eroding progress towards building an effective, accountable and inclusive Central African State. It is not too late to prevent religion and ethnicity from becoming the driving factor of conflict.”
The envoy also warned about the impact on civilians, as some 1.2 million people remain displaced from the conflict.
