24

The imbroglio in Central African Republic (CAR) is an extension of several situations. Structurally, the country’s central power is confined to its capital and large cities. Rebellions control the rural areas in the north of the country and have divided the national territory into a mosaic of more or less autonomous zones. Over time, gangs of road bandits— zargina—imposed their predatory model on the territory. The coups by François Bozizé and Michel Djotodia encouraged the massive enrolment of foreign Chadian and Sudanese mercenaries to fight in Central African conflicts. When the Seleka seized power in Bangui in March 2013, these components became even more inextricable. It resulted in looting across the country, followed by religiously fuelled violence.