Central African Republic Civil War

{{Main|Central African Republic Bush War}}

File:Bushwar.svg

File:Rebel in northern CAR 02.jpg in June 2007.]]

The peacekeeping force Multinational Force in the Central African Republic (FOMUC) was formed in October 2002 by the regional economic community Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).{{cite web|title=HISTORIQUE DE L'OPÉRATION MICOPAX|url=http://www.operationspaix.net/77-historique-micopax.html|access-date=22 February 2017|publisher=RÉSEAU DE RECHERCHE SUR LES OPÉRATIONS DE PAIX|date=1 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508222935/http://www.operationspaix.net/77-historique-micopax.html|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title= Central African Republic |url= http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-99_en.htm |access-date= 22 February 2017 |publisher= European Commission |date= 10 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170223130404/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-99_en.htm |archive-date= 23 February 2017 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}

After François Bozizé seized power in 2003, the Central African Republic Bush War (2004–2007) began with the rebellion by the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR) in northeastern CAR, led by Michel Djotodia.{{cite news |first=Stephanie |last=Hancock |url=http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/feature-bush-war-leaves-central-african-villages-deserted |title=Bush war leaves Central African villages deserted |publisher=ReliefWeb |agency=Reuters |date=30 August 2007 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106065034/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/feature-bush-war-leaves-central-african-villages-deserted |archive-date=6 November 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4035239.stm |title=Raid on CAR town 'leaves 20 dead' |work=BBC News |date=23 December 2004 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111095609/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4035239.stm |archive-date=11 January 2013 |url-status=live }} During this conflict, the UFDR rebel forces also fought with several other rebel groups including the Group of Patriotic Action for the Liberation of Central Africa (GAPLC), the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP), the People's Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD), the Movement of Central African Liberators for Justice (MLCJ), and the Democratic Front of the Central African People (FDPC).{{cite news |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200611020004.html |title=Central African Republic: Rebels Call for Dialogue After Capturing Key Town |publisher=AllAfrica.com |agency=IRIN |date=2 November 2006 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224234458/http://allafrica.com/stories/200611020004.html |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=live }} Tens of thousands of people were displaced by the unrest, which continued until 2007, with rebel forces seizing several cities during the conflict.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

File:ECCAS and CEMAC.svg (light and dark blue) formed MICOPAX, taking over peacekeeping from FOMUC, which was established by the economic community, CEMAC (light blue subset only).]]

On 13 April 2007, a peace agreement between the government and the UFDR was signed in Birao. The agreement provided for an amnesty for the UFDR, its recognition as a political party, and the integration of its fighters into the army.{{cite news |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200611130081.html |title=Central African Republic: Concern As Civilians Flee, Government Denies Rebel Capture of Third Town |publisher=AllAfrica.com |agency=IRIN |date=13 November 2006 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224234423/http://allafrica.com/stories/200611130081.html |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-04-13-central-africa_N.htm |title=Central African Republic, rebels sign peace deal |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=13 April 2007 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622112821/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-04-13-central-africa_N.htm |archive-date=22 June 2011 |url-status=live }} Further negotiations resulted in a Libreville Global Peace Accord agreement in 2008 for reconciliation, a unity government, local elections in 2009 and parliamentary and presidential elections in 2010.{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2009/01/20/2003434210 |title=CAR president dissolves government, vows unity |work=Taipei Times |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=20 January 2009 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928195448/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2009/01/20/2003434210 |archive-date=28 September 2012 |url-status=live }} The new unity government that resulted was formed in January 2009.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iDaBqt-PZaqJ6IPUfGowi9_x95Ag |title=Touadera names rebels in new Central African Republic govt |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=19 January 2009 |access-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227120834/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iDaBqt-PZaqJ6IPUfGowi9_x95Ag |archive-date=27 February 2014 }} On 12 July 2008, with the waning of the Central African Republic Bush War, the larger overlapping regional economic community to CEMAC called the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), replaced FOMUC, whose mandate was largely restricted to security, with the Central African Peacebuilding Mission (MICOPAX), who had a broader peace building mandate.

Rebel groups alleged that Bozizé had not followed the terms of the 2007 agreement and that there continued to be political abuses, especially in the northern part of the country, such as "torture and illegal executions".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/world/africa/rebels-agree-to-cease-fire-in-central-african-republic.html|title=Rebel Coalition in the Central African Republic Agrees to a Short Cease-Fire|last=Sayare|first=Scott|date=11 January 2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=12 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329221513/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/12/world/africa/rebels-agree-to-cease-fire-in-central-african-republic.html?_r=0|archive-date=29 March 2014|url-status=live}}

File:Selekaadvances.svg advances in C.A.R. (December 2012 – March 2013).]]

{{See also|Timeline of the Central African Republic Civil War}}

In August 2012 a peace agreement was signed between the government and the CPJP.{{cite news | title = Le CPJP, dernier groupe rebelle actif en Centrafrique, devient un parti politique | publisher = Radio France Internationale | access-date = 30 December 2012 | date = 26 August 2012 | url = http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20120826-cpjp-groupe-rebelle-centrafrique | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120902121922/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20120826-cpjp-groupe-rebelle-centrafrique | archive-date = 2 September 2012 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} On 20 August 2012, an agreement was signed between a dissident faction of the CPJP, led by Colonel Hassan Al Habib calling itself Fundamental CPJP, and the Patriotic Convention for Saving the Country (CPSK).

{{Cite press release| last1 = Ibrahim| first1 = Alkhali| last2 = Abdraman| first2 = Hassan| title = RCA: Protocole d'accord militaro-politique contre le régime de Bozizié| work = CPJP-Centrafrique| access-date = 31 March 2013| date = 2 August 2012| url = http://cpjp.centrafrique.over-blog.org/article-rca-protocole-d-accord-militaro-politique-contre-le-regime-de-bozizie-109416289.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130925080014/http://cpjp.centrafrique.over-blog.org/article-rca-protocole-d-accord-militaro-politique-contre-le-regime-de-bozizie-109416289.html| archive-date = 25 September 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}

Al Habib announced that, in protest of the peace agreement, the Fundamental CPJP was launching an offensive dubbed "Operation Charles Massi", in memory of the CPJP founder who was allegedly tortured and murdered by the government, and that his group intended to overthrow Bozizé.{{cite news| work = The Big Story| title = Central African Republic: Rebels attack 3 towns| location = Bangui, CAR| access-date = 30 December 2012| date = 17 September 2012| url = http://bigstory.ap.org/article/central-african-republic-rebels-attack-3-towns| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130207102918/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/central-african-republic-rebels-attack-3-towns| archive-date = 7 February 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite news| agency = Agence France-Presse| title = Centrafrique: un civil tué par des hommes armés dans l'est (militaires)| publisher = ReliefWeb| location = Bangui, CAR| access-date = 30 December 2012| date = 13 November 2012| url = http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/centrafrique-un-civil-tu%C3%A9-par-des-hommes-arm%C3%A9s-dans-lest-militaires| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021184103/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/centrafrique-un-civil-tu%C3%A9-par-des-hommes-arm%C3%A9s-dans-lest-militaires| archive-date = 21 October 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} In September, Fundamental CPJP, using the French name Alliance CPSK-CPJP, took responsibility for attacks on the towns of Sibut, Damara and Dekoa, killing two members of the army.{{cite news| agency = Agence France-Presse| title = Centrafrique/rébellion: un gendarme et deux civils tués dans une attaque proche de Bangui (gendarmerie)| work = ReliefWeb| location = Bangui, CAR| access-date = 30 December 2012| date = 14 November 2012| url = http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/centrafriquer%C3%A9bellion-un-gendarme-et-deux-civils-tu%C3%A9s-dans-une| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131103121605/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/centrafriquer%C3%A9bellion-un-gendarme-et-deux-civils-tu%C3%A9s-dans-une| archive-date = 3 November 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite news|last=Agence France-Presse |title=C.African army kills rebel group official |location=Bangui, CAR |access-date=30 December 2012 |date=21 September 2012 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jYfDMncVL0VlH1O4x_zOqPJh39mg?docId=CNG.c6d6469d728c477df2942b37bad95fa6.521 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220072309/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jYfDMncVL0VlH1O4x_zOqPJh39mg?docId=CNG.c6d6469d728c477df2942b37bad95fa6.521 |archive-date=20 February 2014 }} It claimed that it had killed two additional members of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) in Damara, capturing military and civilian vehicles, weapons including rockets, and communications equipment, and launched unsuccessful assault on a fourth town, Grimari, and promised more operations in the future.{{cite web | last = Col. Alkassim | title = communiqué de presse de l'alliance CPSK-CPJP | work = OverBlog | access-date = 26 March 2013 | date = 15 September 2012 | url = http://cpjp.centrafrique.over-blog.org/article-seleka-cpsk-cpjp-110140652.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021193909/http://cpjp.centrafrique.over-blog.org/article-seleka-cpsk-cpjp-110140652.html | archive-date = 21 October 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} Mahamath Isseine Abdoulaye, president of the pro-government CPJP faction, countered that the CPJP was committed to the peace agreement and the attacks were the work of Chadian rebels, saying this group of "thieves" would never be able to march on Bangui. Al Habib was killed by FACA on 19 September in Daya, a town north of Dekoa.{{cite news | last = Radio Ndeke Luka | title = Hassan Al Habib "HA" de la CPJP Fondamentale abattu par les FACA à Dékoa | work = Radio Ndeke Luka | access-date = 29 March 2013 | date = 21 September 2012 | url = http://www.radiondekeluka.org/securite/item/11264-hassan-al-habib-«-ha-»-de-la-cpjp-fondamentale-abattu-par-les-faca-à-dékoa.html?tmpl=component&print=1 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171012033753/http://www.radiondekeluka.org/securite/item/11264-hassan-al-habib-%C2%AB-ha-%C2%BB-de-la-cpjp-fondamentale-abattu-par-les-faca-%C3%A0-d%C3%A9koa.html?tmpl=component&print=1 | archive-date = 12 October 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

In November 2012, in Obo, FACA soldiers were injured in an attack attributed to Chadian Popular Front for Recovery rebels.{{cite news| last = Agence France-Presse| title = Centrafrique: un civil tué par des hommes armés dans l'est (militaires)| work = ReliefWeb| location = Bangui, CAR| access-date = 30 December 2012| date = 13 November 2012| url = http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/centrafrique-un-civil-tu%C3%A9-par-des-hommes-arm%C3%A9s-dans-lest-militaires| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021184103/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/centrafrique-un-civil-tu%C3%A9-par-des-hommes-arm%C3%A9s-dans-lest-militaires| archive-date = 21 October 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} On 10 December 2012, the rebels seized the towns of N'Délé, Sam Ouandja and Ouadda, as well as weapons left by fleeing soldiers.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |title=Heavy fighting in northern CAR, many flee: military |location=Bangui, CAR |access-date=29 December 2012 |date=10 December 2012 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jshqjKquif_q1t_RwuxspYsNE5qg?docId=CNG.6aa6b0e1d1388af93931fa346dcbef77.b1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220072244/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jshqjKquif_q1t_RwuxspYsNE5qg?docId=CNG.6aa6b0e1d1388af93931fa346dcbef77.b1 |archive-date=20 February 2014 }}[http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/four-dead-22-troops-captured-car-rebel-attack-sources "A rebel attack on a Central African Republic town left at least four dead and 22 government troops captured by the rebels, sources said Saturday."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313225315/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/four-dead-22-troops-captured-car-rebel-attack-sources |date=13 March 2013 }}, Radio Netherlands Worldwide{{cite news| agency = Agence France-Presse| title = Central Africa says repelled rebel attack| work = ReliefWeb| location = Bangui, CAR| access-date = 29 December 2012| date = 11 December 2012| url = http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/central-africa-says-repelled-rebel-attack| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021183659/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/central-africa-says-repelled-rebel-attack| archive-date = 21 October 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}} On 15 December, rebel forces took Bamingui, and three days later they advanced to Bria, moving closer to Bangui. The Alliance CPSK-CPJP for the first time used the name Séléka (meaning "union" in the Sango language) with a press release calling itself "Séléka CPSK-CPJP-UFDR", thus including the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR).{{cite news|title=Three rebel groups threaten to topple C.African regime|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/three-rebel-groups-threaten-topple-cafrican-regime|access-date=31 December 2012|newspaper=ReliefWeb (AFP)|date=18 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103010230/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/three-rebel-groups-threaten-topple-cafrican-regime|archive-date=3 November 2013|url-status=live}} The Séléka claim they are fighting because of a lack of progress after a peace deal ended the Bush War.{{cite news |first=Paul-Marin |last=Ngoupana |url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/car-rebels-take-diamond-mining-town-kill-15-soldiers/ |title=CAR rebels take diamond mining town, kill 15 soldiers |agency=Reuters |publisher=AlertNet |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313021434/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/car-rebels-take-diamond-mining-town-kill-15-soldiers |archive-date=13 March 2013 }} Following an appeal for help from Central African President François Bozizé, the President of Chad, Idriss Déby, pledged to send 2,000 troops to help quell the rebellion.{{cite news |first=Hippolyte |last=Marboua |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/rebels-african-republic-towns-18005886 |title=2,000 Troops From Chad to Fight CAR Rebels |work=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214092550/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/rebels-african-republic-towns-18005886 |archive-date=14 December 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Christian |last=Panika |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hqiANCbhHZd4zl8TI3P8i6OtqN2g |title=Chad troops enter Central Africa to help fight rebels: military |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221013323/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hqiANCbhHZd4zl8TI3P8i6OtqN2g |archive-date=21 December 2012 }} The first Chadian troops arrived on 18 December 2012 to reinforce the CAR contingent in Kaga-Bandoro, in preparation for a counter-attack on N'Délé. Séléka forces took Kabo on 19 December, a major hub for transport between Chad and CAR, located west and north of the areas previously taken by the rebels.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse |title=CentrAfrica rebels refuse pull-back, Chad offers talks |access-date=29 December 2012 |date=20 December 2012 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jJ02oAt3wefnzHfVgD4d5YDuGsLA?docId=CNG.73374fa84b4873a957743736e2ec0c22.201 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227194629/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jJ02oAt3wefnzHfVgD4d5YDuGsLA?docId=CNG.73374fa84b4873a957743736e2ec0c22.201 |archive-date=27 February 2014 }} On 18 December 2012, the Chadian group Popular Front for Recovery (FPR){{cite press release|title=Le FPR soutient l'UFDR dans son combat contre le Dictateur Bozizé|url=http://ambenatna.over-blog.com/article-le-fpr-soutient-l-ufdr-dans-combat-contre-le-dictateur-bozize-113660691.html|publisher=FPR|date=18 December 2012|access-date=2 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128205856/http://ambenatna.over-blog.com/article-le-fpr-soutient-l-ufdr-dans-combat-contre-le-dictateur-bozize-113660691.html|archive-date=28 January 2013|url-status=live}} announced their allegiance to the Séléka coalition. On 20 December 2012, a rebel group based in northern CAR, the Democratic Front of the Central African People (FDPC) joined the Séléka coalition.{{cite web|title=Centrafrique: Le FDPC d'Abdoulaye Miskine a rejoint la coalition Séléka|url=http://www.journaldebangui.com/article.php?aid=3753|publisher=Journal de Bangui|access-date=2 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130110721/http://www.journaldebangui.com/article.php?aid=3753|archive-date=30 January 2013|url-status=dead}} Four days later the rebel coalition took over Bambari, the country's third largest town,{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/car-rebels-town-idUSL5E8NN2V920121223 |title=CAR rebels seize biggest, most southern town yet |work=Reuters |date=23 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224073627/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/23/car-rebels-town-idUSL5E8NN2V920121223 |archive-date=24 December 2012 |url-status=live }} followed by Kaga-Bandoro on 25 December.{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20121225-central-african-rebels-seize-another-town-military |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123124247/http://www.france24.com/en/20121225-central-african-rebels-seize-another-town-military |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2013 |title=Central African rebels seize another town: military |publisher=France 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=25 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 }} Rebel forces reached Damara, bypassing the town of Sibut where around 150 Chadian troops were stationed together with CAR troops that withdrew from Kaga-Bandoro.

On 26 December, hundreds of protesters surrounded the French embassy accusing the former colonial power of failing to help the army.{{cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20121226-central-african-republic-violent-protests-french-embassy |title=Violent protests erupt at the French embassy in Bangui |publisher=France 24 |date=26 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226212424/http://www.france24.com/en/20121226-central-african-republic-violent-protests-french-embassy |archive-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=live }} Josué Binoua, the CAR's minister for territorial administration, requested that France intervenes in case the rebels, now only {{convert|75|km|mi|abbr=on}} away, manage to reach the capital Bangui.{{cite news |first=Paul-Marin |last=Ngoupana |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCABRE8BP09X20121226 |title=Central African Republic wants French help as rebels close in on capital |work=Reuters |date=26 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128191802/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCABRE8BP09X20121226 |archive-date=28 January 2013 |url-status=dead }} On 27 December, Bozizé asked the international community for assistance. French president François Hollande rejected the appeal, saying that French troops would only be used to protect French nationals in CAR, and not to defend Bozizé's government. Reports indicated that the U.S. military was preparing plans to evacuate "several hundred" American citizens, as well as other nationals.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/12/20121226235056434187.html |title=Central African rebels advance on capital |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=28 December 2012 |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227184355/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/12/20121226235056434187.html |archive-date=27 December 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/27/16193391-as-rebels-advance-on-central-african-republic-capital-us-prepares-to-evacuate-americans |title=US evacuates Americans from Central African Republic capital as rebels close in |work=NBC News |date=27 December 2012 |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012033411/http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/27/16193391-as-rebels-advance-on-central-african-republic-capital-us-prepares-to-evacuate-americans |archive-date=12 October 2017 |url-status=live }} Gabonese General Jean-Félix Akaga, commander of the Economic Community of Central African States' (ECCAS) Multinational Force of Central Africa (FOMAC), said the capital was "fully secured" by the troops from its MICOPAX peacekeeping mission, adding that reinforcements should arrive soon. However, military sources in Gabon and Cameroon denied the report, claiming no decision had been taken regarding the crisis.{{cite news |first=Christian |last=Panika |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Dec-28/200123-car-leader-appeals-for-help-to-halt-rebel-advance.ashx |title=CAR leader appeals for help to halt rebel advance |work=The Daily Star |location=Beirut |date=28 December 2012 |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228055645/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Dec-28/200123-car-leader-appeals-for-help-to-halt-rebel-advance.ashx |archive-date=28 December 2012 |url-status=live }}

Government soldiers launched a counterattack against rebel forces in Bambari on 28 December, leading to heavy clashes, according to a government official. Several witnesses over {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=on}} away said they could hear detonations and heavy weapons fire for a number of hours. Later, both a rebel leader and a military source confirmed the military attack was repelled and the town remained under rebel control. At least one rebel fighter was killed and three were wounded in the clashes, and the military's casualties were unknown.[http://www.france24.com/en/20121229-c-africa-army-repelled-trying-retake-rebel-held-city C. Africa army repelled trying to retake rebel-held city]. France 24 (29 December 2012). {{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers in the ECCAS announced that more troops from the Multinational Force for Central Africa (FOMAC) would be sent to the country to support the 560 members of the MICOPAX mission already present. The announcement was done by Chad's Foreign Minister Moussa Faki after a meeting in the Gabonese capital Libreville. At the same time, ECCAS Deputy Secretary-General Guy-Pierre Garcia confirmed that the rebels and the CAR government had agreed to unconditional talks, with the goal to get to negotiations by 10 January at the latest. In Bangui, the U.S. Air Force evacuated around 40 people from the country, including the American ambassador. The International Committee of the Red Cross also evacuated eight of its foreign workers, though local volunteers and 14 other foreigners remained to help the growing number of displaced people.[https://archive.today/20130221065116/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/12/29/reutersworld/1212290811-fresh-fighting-in-c-african-republic-as&sec=reutersworld "Fresh fighting in the C. African Republic as crisis grows"]. The Star (Malaysia), 29 December 2012.

Rebel forces took over the town of Sibut without firing a shot on 29 December, as at least 60 vehicles with CAR and Chadian troops retreated to Damara, the last city standing between Séléka and the capital. In Bangui, the government ordered a 7 pm to 5 am curfew and banned the use of motorcycle taxis, fearing they could be used by rebels to infiltrate the city. Residents reported many shop-owners had hired groups of armed men to guard their property in anticipation of possible looting, as thousands were leaving the city in overloaded cars and boats. The French military contingent rose to 400 with the deployment of 150 additional paratroopers sent from Gabon to Bangui M'Poko International Airport. French prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault again stressed that the troops were only present to "protect French and European nationals" and not deal with the rebels.{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/15734798/c-africa-rebels-defy-peace-efforts-inch-towards-capital/ |title=C. Africa Army Retreat Puts Rebels One Step From Capital |access-date=28 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128203523/http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/15734798/c-africa-rebels-defy-peace-efforts-inch-towards-capital/ |archive-date=28 January 2013 }}. AFP (31 December 2012).[http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=189279 Residents flee Bangui as rebels halt for talks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230065906/http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=189279 |date=30 December 2012 }}. Pakistan Observer (30 December 2012).

File:MISCA soldiers in CAR.jpg in CAR, 2014.]]

On 30 December, President Bozizé agreed to a possible national unity government with members of the Séléka coalition.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-car-rebels-idUSBRE8BT03M20121230 Central African Republic president says ready to share power with rebels] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924172818/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/30/us-car-rebels-idUSBRE8BT03M20121230 |date=24 September 2015 }}. Reuters (30 December 2012). On 2 January 2013, the president took over as the new head of the defense ministry from his son and dismissed army chief Guillaume Lapo.Look, Anne (3 January 2013) [https://www.voanews.com/a/car-president-sacks-defense-minister/1576975.html CAR President Sacks Defense Minister] . Voice of America. Retrieved 17 April 2013. Meanwhile, rebel spokesman Col. Djouma Narkoyo confirmed that Séléka had stopped their advance and will enter peace talks due to start in Libreville on 8 January, on the precondition that government forces stop arresting members of the Gula tribe. The rebel coalition confirmed it would demand the immediate departure of President Bozizé, who had pledged to see out his term until its end in 2016. By 1 January reinforcements from FOMAC began to arrive in Damara to support the 400 Chadian troops already stationed there as part of the MICOPAX mission. With rebels closing in on the capital Bangui, a total of 360 soldiers were sent to boost the defenses of Damara – Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 120 each from Gabon, Republic of the Congo and Cameroon, with a Gabonese general in command of the force.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/world/africa/central-africa-on-the-brink-rebels-halt-their-advance.html |title=Central Africa on the Brink, Rebels Halt Their Advance |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2 January 2013 |first=Scott |last=Sayare |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506002828/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/world/africa/central-africa-on-the-brink-rebels-halt-their-advance.html |archive-date=6 May 2017 |url-status=live }} Jean-Félix Akaga, the Gabonese general in charge of the MICOPAX force, sent by the ECCAS, declared that Damara represented a "red line that the rebels cannot cross", and that doing so would be "a declaration of war" against the 10 members of the regional bloc. France had further boosted its presence in the country to 600 troops. On 6 January, South African President Jacob Zuma announced the deployment of 400 troops to CAR to assist the forces already present there.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/01/201316201622291808.html |title=South Africa to send 400 soldiers to CAR |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=6 January 2013 |access-date=6 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109023716/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/01/201316201622291808.html |archive-date=9 January 2013 |url-status=live }}

On 11 January 2013, a ceasefire agreement was signed in Libreville, Gabon.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} On 13 January, Bozizé signed a decree that removed Prime Minister Faustin-Archange Touadéra from power, as part of the agreement with the rebel coalition.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/prime-minister-booted-from-job-in-central-african-republic-part-of-peace-deal-with-rebels/2013/01/13/bcebaf14-5dcf-11e2-8acb-ab5cb77e95c8_print.html|title=Prime minister booted from job in Central African Republic, part of peace deal with rebels|date=13 January 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=15 January 2013}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The rebels dropped their demand for President François Bozizé to resign, but he had to appoint a new prime minister from the opposition by 18 January 2013. On 17 January, Nicolas Tiangaye was appointed prime minister.Patrick Fort, [https://web.archive.org/web/20140227194652/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i29CmpNUhK93R12SF_Oyz_6o5uug?docId=CNG.376beea6edfc8b0d9c41b73f138d6700.4f1 "Tiangaye named Central African PM, says 'hard work' begins"], Agence France-Presse, 17 January 2013. The terms of the agreement also included that National Assembly of the Central African Republic be dissolved within a week with a year-long coalition government formed in its place and a new legislative election be held within 12 months (with the possibility of postponement).{{cite news|title=Central African Republic ceasefire signed|publisher=BBC|date=11 January 2013|access-date=11 January 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20990671|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111184136/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20990671|archive-date=11 January 2013|url-status=live}} In addition, the temporary coalition government had to implement judicial reforms, amalgamate the rebel troops with the Bozizé government's troops to establish a new national military, set up the new legislative elections, as well as introduce other social and economic reforms. Furthermore, Bozizé's government was required to free all political prisoners imprisoned during the conflict, and foreign troops must return to their countries of origin. Under the agreement, Séléka rebels were not required to give up the cities they have taken or were then occupying, allegedly as a way to ensure that the Bozizé government would not renege on the agreement. Bozizé would be allowed to remain president until new presidential elections in 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/c-african-republic-rebels-to-form-unity-government-with-president-opposition-after-talks/2013/01/11/06ea3110-5c06-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112210346/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/c-african-republic-rebels-to-form-unity-government-with-president-opposition-after-talks/2013/01/11/06ea3110-5c06-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html|archive-date=12 January 2013|title=C. African Republic rebels to form unity government with president, opposition after talks|date=11 January 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=12 January 2013|url-status=dead}}

On 23 January 2013, the ceasefire was broken, with the government blaming Séléka{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/car-rebels-break-terms-of-cease-fire/1589562.html|title=CAR Rebels Break Terms of Cease-Fire|publisher=VOA|date=23 January 2013|access-date=22 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302034952/http://www.voanews.com/content/car-rebels-break-terms-of-cease-fire/1589562.html|archive-date=2 March 2013|url-status=live}} and Séléka blaming the government for allegedly failing to honor the terms of the power-sharing agreement.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21880905|access-date=22 March 2013|date=21 March 2013|title=Central African Republic Seleka rebels 'seize' towns|publisher=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321170542/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21880905|archive-date=21 March 2013|url-status=live}} By 21 March, the rebels had advanced to Bouca, 300 km from the capital Bangui. On 22 March, the fighting reached the town of Damara, 75 km from the capital.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92L0H920130322|title=Central African Republic rebels reach outskirts of capital|work=Reuters|date=22 March 2013|access-date=22 March 2013|author=Ngoupana, Paul Marin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323062038/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/22/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92L0H920130322|archive-date=23 March 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130322-centrafrique-situation-direct-bangui-bozize-damara-seleka-rebelles-afrique-sud|publisher=Radio France International|language=French|access-date=22 March 2013|date=22 March 2013|title=RCA: revivez la journée du vendredi 22 mars|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323154657/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130322-centrafrique-situation-direct-bangui-bozize-damara-seleka-rebelles-afrique-sud|archive-date=23 March 2013|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Battle of Bangui (2013)}}

On 18 March 2013, the rebels, having taken over Gambo and Bangassou, threatened to take up arms again if their demands for the release of political prisoners, the integration of their forces into the national army and for South African soldiers to leave the country were not met within 72 hours.Hippolyte Marboua and Krista Larson, [https://apnews.com/a0028844d9af480fb73ccc66d9d9d941 "Central African Republic rebels threaten new fight"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017161003/http://www.apnewsarchive.com/2013/Central-African-Republic-rebels-threaten-to-take-up-arms-if-demands-not-met-within-72-hours/id-a0028844d9af480fb73ccc66d9d9d941 |date=17 October 2013 }}, Associated Press, 18 March 2013. Three days later, they took control of the towns of Damara and Bossangoa.{{cite news |url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/central-african-republic-rebels-reach-outskirts-of-capital/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416000741/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/central-african-republic-rebels-reach-outskirts-of-capital/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2013 |title=Central African Republic rebels reach outskirts of capital |agency=Reuters |date=22 March 2013 }} By 23 March, they entered Bangui.{{cite news| title = CAR forces 'halt rebel advance'| publisher = BBC| access-date = 23 March 2013| date = 22 March 2013| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21905433| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130323013522/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21905433| archive-date = 23 March 2013| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92M07I20130323|title=Central African Republic rebels enter north of capital Bangui: witness|work=Reuters|date=23 March 2013|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180248/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/23/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92M07I20130323|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/world/africa/rebels-push-into-capital-in-central-african-republic.html |title=Rebels Push into Capital in Central African Republic |newspaper=The New York Times |date=23 March 2013 |first=Adam |last=Nossiter |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104193823/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/world/africa/rebels-push-into-capital-in-central-african-republic.html |archive-date=4 November 2017 |url-status=live }} On 24 March, rebels reached the Presidential Palace in the centre of the capital.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrica-rebels-idUKBRE92M07G20130323|title=Central African Republic rebels in capital, France sends troops|work=Reuters|date=23 March 2013|access-date=24 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326014855/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/03/23/uk-centralafrica-rebels-idUKBRE92M07G20130323|archive-date=26 March 2013|url-status=dead}}[http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000080051&story_title=Kenya-Rebels-reach-presidential-palace-in-C.African-Republic Standard Digital News – Kenya: World: C. African Republic capital falls to rebels, President flees] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130413132944/http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000080051&story_title=Kenya-Rebels-reach-presidential-palace-in-C.African-Republic |date=13 April 2013 }}. Standardmedia.co.ke (24 March 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2013. The Presidential Palace and the rest of the capital soon fell to rebel forces and Bozizé fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo,{{cite news | title = CAR rebels 'seize' presidential palace | publisher = Al Jazeera | access-date = 24 March 2013 | date = 24 March 2013 | url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/03/201332481729584103.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130324125650/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/03/201332481729584103.html | archive-date = 24 March 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/24/central-african-republic-rebels-capital |title=Central African Republic rebels seize capital and force president to flee |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 March 2013 |location=London |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305032236/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/24/central-african-republic-rebels-capital |archive-date=5 March 2017 |url-status=live }} which was followed by widespread looting in the capital.{{cite news|title=Central African Republic capital falls to rebels, Bozizé flees|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92M0AU20130324|access-date=24 March 2013|work=Reuters|date=24 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324032711/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/24/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92M0AU20130324|archive-date=24 March 2013|url-status=live}} By 2 April, only 20 of the original 200 South African National Defence Force troops stationed in CAR remained in the country.[http://www.2oceansvibe.com/2013/04/02/south-african-troops-are-being-withdrawn-from-the-central-african-republic/ "South African Troops Are Being Withdrawn From The Central African Republic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204150757/http://www.2oceansvibe.com/2013/04/02/south-african-troops-are-being-withdrawn-from-the-central-african-republic/ |date=4 February 2016 }}, 4 April 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2016. A company of French troops secured Bangui M'Poko International Airport[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/03/201332317421513356.html French troops secure CAR capital airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324134001/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/03/201332317421513356.html |date=24 March 2013 }}. Al Jazeera (23 March 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2013. and France sent 350 soldiers to ensure the security of its citizens, bringing the total number of French troops in CAR to nearly 600.{{cite news|title=Central African Republic: Rebels 'take palace as Bozize flees'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21915901|access-date=24 March 2013|work=BBC News|date=24 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324231407/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21915901|archive-date=24 March 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=France says no plans to send more troops to C. African Republic|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/france-says-no-plans-to-send-more-troops-to-c-african-republic/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416034156/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/france-says-no-plans-to-send-more-troops-to-c-african-republic/|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2013|access-date=24 March 2013|newspaper=Reuters Alert Net|date=24 March 2013}} On 25 March 2013, Séléka leader Michel Djotodia, who served after the January agreement as First Deputy Prime Minister for National Defense, declared himself president, becoming the first Muslim to ever hold the office.{{Cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/220305.pdf |title=CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT |access-date=5 July 2018 |archive-date=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326114058/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/220305.pdf |url-status=live }} Djotodia said that there would be a three-year transitional period and that Nicolas Tiangaye would continue to serve as prime minister.[http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cafrican-republic-rebel-chief-to-name-power-sharing-government/ "C.African Republic rebel chief to name power-sharing government"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130416050815/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cafrican-republic-rebel-chief-to-name-power-sharing-government/ |date=16 April 2013 }}, Reuters, 25 March 2013. Djotodia promptly suspended the constitution and dissolved the government, as well as the National Assembly.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21934433 |title=CAR rebel head Michel Djotodia 'suspends constitution' |work=BBC News |date=25 March 2013 |access-date=26 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326005533/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21934433 |archive-date=26 March 2013 |url-status=live }} He then reappointed Tiangaye as prime minister on 27 March 2013.[http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130327/nicolas-tiangaye-cafrica-pm-and-man-integrity "Nicolas Tiangaye: C.Africa PM and 'man of integrity'"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214025359/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130327/nicolas-tiangaye-cafrica-pm-and-man-integrity |date=14 December 2013 }}, Agence France-Presse, 27 March 2013.[http://www.lepoint.fr/monde/centrafrique-nicolas-tiangaye-reconduit-premier-ministre-27-03-2013-1646583_24.php "Centrafrique: Nicolas Tiangaye reconduit Premier ministre"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622054907/http://www.lepoint.fr/monde/centrafrique-nicolas-tiangaye-reconduit-premier-ministre-27-03-2013-1646583_24.php |date=22 June 2015 }}, AFP, 27 March 2013 {{in lang|fr}}.

{{Main|Central African Republic conflict under the Djotodia administration}}

In the following two days top military and police officers met with Djotodia and recognized him as president on 28 March 2013, in what was viewed as "a form of surrender",Ange Aboa, [http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cafrican-republic-army-chiefs-pledge-allegiance-to-coup-leader/ "C.African Republic army chiefs pledge allegiance to coup leader"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401023549/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cafrican-republic-army-chiefs-pledge-allegiance-to-coup-leader/ |date=1 April 2013 }}, Reuters, 28 March 2013. and the overall security situation was beginning to improve.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92Q11J20130327 Pockets of resistance still in Central African Republic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109203502/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/27/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92Q11J20130327 |date=9 November 2015 }}. Reuters (27 March 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2013. A new government headed by Tiangaye, with 34 members, appointed on 31 March 2013, included nine members of Séléka, along with eight representatives of the parties that had opposed Bozizé, while only one member of the government was associated with Bozizé,[https://web.archive.org/web/20140218222550/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hnWGCRFD5630dPOtOC6pu2KSnvgQ?docId=CNG.4797523af96fef0f0e9f25ffa4fe35ac.531 "Rebels, opposition form government in CentrAfrica: decree"], Agence France-Presse, 31 March 2013.[http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20130401090559/ "Centrafrique: Nicolas Tiangaye présente son gouvernement d'union nationale"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404012444/http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20130401090559/ |date=4 April 2013 }}, Jeune Afrique, 1 April 2013 {{in lang|fr}}. and 16 positions were given to representatives of civil society. The former opposition parties declared on 1 April that they would boycott the government to protest its domination by Séléka, arguing that the 16 positions given to representatives of civil society were in fact "handed over to Séléka allies disguised as civil society activists".Ange Aboa, [http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrican-opposition-idUKBRE9300II20130401 "Central African Republic opposition says to boycott new government"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406034312/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/04/01/uk-centralafrican-opposition-idUKBRE9300II20130401 |date=6 April 2013 }}, Reuters, 1 April 2013.

File:Flag of the African Union.svg led MICOPAX to the larger African Union (flag above) led MISCA.]]

On 3 April 2013, African leaders meeting in Chad declared that they did not recognize Djotodia as president; instead, they proposed the formation of an inclusive transitional council and the holding of new elections in 18 months, rather than three years as envisioned by Djotodia. Speaking on 4 April, Information Minister Christophe Gazam Betty said that Djotodia had accepted the proposals of the African leaders; however, he suggested that Djotodia could remain in office if he were elected to head the transitional council.Ange Aboa, [https://archive.today/20130503125742/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cafrican-republic-leader-accepts-regional-transition-road-map/ "C.African Republic leader accepts regional transition road map"], Reuters, 4 April 2013. Djotodia accordingly signed a decree on 6 April for the formation of a transitional council that would act as a transitional parliament. The council was tasked with electing an interim president to serve during an 18-month transitional period leading to new elections.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140218222319/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8LPAYiT76U-lArWVqNTnDRQ3iHQ?docId=CNG.5c077dc9677abda2c0b7bbe8a418480e.2d1 "C. Africa strongman forms transition council"], AFP, 6 April 2013.

File:Bangui décembre 2013 2.jpg, called the "Battle of Bangui".]]

The transitional council, composed of 105 members, met for the first time on 13 April 2013 and immediately elected Djotodia as interim president; there were no other candidates.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140218222810/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iHUK7go0NrRSKAPM2Ny2XjtqphWA?docId=CNG.ddf7737dc28380250e41bf5a169a5c68.01 "Rebel boss Djotodia elected interim C.Africa leader"], AFP, 13 April 2013. A few days later, regional leaders publicly accepted Djotodia's transitional leadership, but, in a symbolic show of disapproval, stated that he would "not be called President of the Republic, but Head of State of the Transition". According to the plans for the transition, Djotodia would not stand as a candidate for president in the election that would conclude the transition.[https://www.reuters.com/article/centralafrican-chad-idUSL5N0D54S320130418 "Regional leaders recognise C.African Republic rebel chief"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180709/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/18/centralafrican-chad-idUSL5N0D54S320130418 |date=24 September 2015 }}, Reuters, 18 April 2013.ndjamenapost, 18 April 2013, http://www.ndjamenapost.com/world/item/718-central-african-republic-swears-in-president-michel-djotodia {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054932/http://www.ndjamenapost.com/world/item/718-central-african-republic-swears-in-president-michel-djotodia |date=21 September 2013 }}

On 13 September 2013, Djotodia formally disbanded Séléka, which he had lost effective control of once the coalition had taken power. This had little actual effect in stopping abuses by the militia soldiers who were now referred to as Ex-Séléka.Dukhan, N. (2016). The Central African Republic crisis. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham. [http://www.gsdrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CAR_Jan2016.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329104138/http://www.gsdrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CAR_Jan2016.pdf|date=29 March 2017}} Self-defense militias called Anti-balaka previously formed to fight crime on a local level, had organized into militias against abuses by Séléka soldiers. On 5 December 2013, called "A Day That Will Define Central African Republic", the Anti-balaka militias coordinated an attack on Bangui against its Muslim population, killing more than 1,000 civilians, in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Djotodia.{{cite news|title=Bloodshed in Bangui: A Day That Will Define Central African Republic|url=https://time.com/3805535/bloodshed-in-bangui-a-day-that-will-define-central-african-republic/|access-date=5 March 2017|magazine=Time|date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306071652/http://time.com/3805535/bloodshed-in-bangui-a-day-that-will-define-central-african-republic/|archive-date=6 March 2017|url-status=live}}

On 14 May, CAR's PM Nicolas Tiangaye requested a UN peacekeeping force from the UN Security Council, and on 31 May former president Bozizé was indicted for crimes against humanity and incitement of genocide.ICG Crisis Watch, http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/crisiswatch/2013/crisiswatch-117.aspx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920154410/http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/crisiswatch/2013/crisiswatch-117.aspx |date=20 September 2013 }} On the same day as the 5 December attacks, the UN Security Council authorized the transfer of MICOPAX to the African Union–led peacekeeping mission, the International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA or AFISM-CAR), with troop numbers increasing from 2,000 to 6,000;{{cite web |title= About |date= 22 April 2015 |url= https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/about |access-date= 22 February 2017 |publisher= MINUSCA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170223130609/https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/about |archive-date= 23 February 2017 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }} it also authorized the French peacekeeping mission called Operation Sangaris.

File:Opération Sangaris 4.jpg as part of Operation Sangaris, authorized after communal violence in the capital in 2013.]]

Interim president Michel Djotodia and Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye resigned on 10 January 2014{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrican-djotodia-idUSBREA090GT20140110 |title=Central African Republic president, PM resign at summit: statement |work=Reuters |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=14 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052916/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/10/us-centralafrican-djotodia-idUSBREA090GT20140110 |archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=live }} yet the conflict still continued.[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/new-clashes-car-as-presidential-vote-looms-201411944241938739.html New clashes in CAR as presidential vote looms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121235058/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/new-clashes-car-as-presidential-vote-looms-201411944241938739.html |date=21 January 2014 }} Al Jazeera. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014. The National Transitional Council elected the new interim president of the Central African Republic after Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet became the Acting Chief of State. Nguendet, being the president of the provisional parliament and viewed as being close to Djotodia, did not run for the election under diplomatic pressure.{{cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2014/01/19/centrafrique-man-uvres-politiques-a-bangui-exactions-en-province_4350613_3212.html|title=Centrafrique: manœuvres politiques à Bangui sur fond de violences|newspaper=Le Monde|date=19 January 2014|access-date=19 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119233748/http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2014/01/19/centrafrique-man-uvres-politiques-a-bangui-exactions-en-province_4350613_3212.html|archive-date=19 January 2014|url-status=live}} On 20 January 2014, Catherine Samba-Panza, the mayor of Bangui, was elected as the interim president in the second round voting.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140120-presidence-transition-rca-catherine-samba-panza-elue-desire-kolingba|title=Centrafrique: Catherine Samba-Panza élue présidente de la transition|publisher=Radio France Internationale|date=20 January 2014|access-date=20 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121011219/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140120-presidence-transition-rca-catherine-samba-panza-elue-desire-kolingba|archive-date=21 January 2014|url-status=live}} Samba-Panza was viewed as having been neutral and away from clan clashes. Her arrival to the presidency was generally accepted by both the Ex-Séléka and the Anti-balaka sides. Following the election, Samba-Panza made a speech in the parliament appealing to the Ex-Séléka and the Anti-balaka for putting down their weapons.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140120-centrafrique-catherine-samba-panza-femme-dialogue|title=Catherine Samba-Panza, nouvelle présidente de Centrafrique: pourquoi elle|publisher=Radio France Internationale|date=20 January 2014|access-date=21 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121144342/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140120-centrafrique-catherine-samba-panza-femme-dialogue|archive-date=21 January 2014|url-status=live}}

File:Anti-Balaka militia.jpg formed to fight against Séléka and its succeeding rebel militias.]]

On 27 January, Séléka leaders left Bangui under the escort of Chadian peacekeepers.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/rebel-leaders-leave-bangui-amid-car-violence-201412752922555536.html |title=Rebel leaders leave Bangui amid CAR violence |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130062554/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/rebel-leaders-leave-bangui-amid-car-violence-201412752922555536.html |archive-date=30 January 2014 |url-status=live }} The aftermath of Djotodia's presidency was said to be without law, a functioning police and courts{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47111&Cr=central+african+republic&Cr1=#.Uv_Gu0KzBJ0|title=United Nations News Centre|date=10 February 2014|work=UN News Service Section|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010035502/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47111&Cr=central+african+republic&Cr1=#.Uv_Gu0KzBJ0|archive-date=10 October 2016|url-status=live}} leading to a wave of violence against Muslims.

The European Union decided to set up its first military operations in six years when foreign ministers approved the sending of up to 1,000 soldiers to the country by the end of February, to be based around Bangui. Estonia promised to send soldiers, while Lithuania, Slovenia, Finland, Belgium, Poland and Sweden were considering sending troops; Germany, Italy and Great Britain announced that they would not send soldiers.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/car-2014120133557833528.html |title=CAR appoints Bangui mayor as interim leader |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123210724/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/car-2014120133557833528.html |archive-date=23 January 2014 |url-status=live }} The UN Security Council unanimously voted to approve sending European Union troops and to give them a mandate to use force, as well as threatening sanctions against those responsible for the violence. The E.U. had pledged 500 troops to aid African and French troops already in the country. Specifically the resolution allowed for the use of "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/un-approves-use-force-eu-troops-car-201412816928460281.html |title=UN approves use of force by EU troops in CAR |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130070009/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/un-approves-use-force-eu-troops-car-201412816928460281.html |archive-date=30 January 2014 |url-status=live }} The first batch of 55 EUFOR troops arrived in Bangui, according to the French army, and carried out its first patrol on 9 April with the intention of "maintaining security and training local officers". On 15 February, France announced that it would send an additional 400 troops to the country. French president François Hollande's office called for "increased solidarity" with the CAR and for the United Nations Security Council to accelerate the deployment of peacekeeping troops to the CAR.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/france-sends-more-troops-unrest-torn-car-201421416445542597.html |title=France sends new troops as CAR strife deepens |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502031937/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/france-sends-more-troops-unrest-torn-car-201421416445542597.html |archive-date=2 May 2014 |url-status=live }} Ban Ki-moon then also called for the rapid deployment of 3,000 additional international peacekeepers.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-urges-rapid-reinforcements-car-2014220215313877691.html |title=UN chief urges rapid reinforcements for CAR |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303013416/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-urges-rapid-reinforcements-car-2014220215313877691.html |archive-date=3 March 2014 |url-status=live }} Because of increasing violence, on 10 April 2014, the UN Security Council transferred MISCA to a UN peacekeeping operation called the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) with 10,000 troops, to be deployed in September that year. MINUSCA drew figurative "red lines" on the roads to keep the peace among rival militias.{{cite web|url=https://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2017/02/24/central-african-republic-what's-gone-wrong|title=Central African Republic: What's gone wrong?|agency=IRIN|date=24 February 2017|access-date=26 February 2017}} France called for a vote at the UNSC in April 2014 and expected a unanimous resolution authorising 10,000 troops and 1,800 police to replace the over 5,000 African Union soldiers on 15 September;{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/first-eu-troops-arrive-central-africa-201449162914658905.html|title=First EU troops arrive in Central Africa|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412234256/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/first-eu-troops-arrive-central-africa-201449162914658905.html|archive-date=12 April 2014|url-status=live}} the motion was then approved.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/un-approves-peacekeepers-car-2014410141916684418.html|title=UN approves peacekeepers for CAR|access-date=10 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412001334/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/un-approves-peacekeepers-car-2014410141916684418.html|archive-date=12 April 2014|url-status=live}} After an incident where civilians were killed that involved Chadian soldiers, Chad announced the withdrawal of its forces from MISCA in April 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/un-chad-soldiers-killed-30-car-201444151841424834.html|title=UN: Chad soldiers killed 30 in CAR|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413075719/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/un-chad-soldiers-killed-30-car-201444151841424834.html|archive-date=13 April 2014|url-status=live}}

As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned of a de facto partition of the country into Muslim and Christian areas as a result of the sectarian fighting,{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-warns-car-could-break-up-201421243833672163.html |title=UN chief warns CAR could break up |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302072430/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-warns-car-could-break-up-201421243833672163.html |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live }} he also called the conflict an "urgent test" for the UN and the region's states.{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47151&Cr=central+african+republic&Cr1=|title=United Nations News Centre|date=14 February 2014|work=UN News Service Section|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214045934/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=47151&Cr=central+african+republic&Cr1=|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}} Amnesty International blamed the Anti-balaka militia of causing a "Muslim exodus of historic proportions."{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/ethnic-cleansing-car-muslims-alleged-2014211181416381268.html |title=Ethnic cleansing of CAR's Muslims alleged |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301203511/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/ethnic-cleansing-car-muslims-alleged-2014211181416381268.html |archive-date=1 March 2014 |url-status=live }} Samba-Panza suggested poverty and a failure of governance was the cause of the conflict.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2014/02/political-manipulation-blamed-car-unrest-201429235449737704.html |title=Politics blamed for CAR divisions |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607093315/http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2014/02/political-manipulation-blamed-car-unrest-201429235449737704.html |archive-date=7 June 2015 |url-status=live }} Some Muslims of the country were also weary of the French presence in MISCA, with the French accused of not doing enough to stop attacks by Christian militias. One of the cited reasons for the difficulty in stopping attacks by Anti-balaka militias was the mob nature of these attacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2014/01/muslims-car-wary-french-presence-2014126142146459224.html |title=Muslims in CAR wary of French presence |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312160709/http://www.aljazeera.com/video/africa/2014/01/muslims-car-wary-french-presence-2014126142146459224.html |archive-date=12 March 2014 |url-status=live }}

File:Burundi troops CAR.jpg peacekeepers in Bangui.]]

File:UN-Sicherheitsrat - UN Security Council - New York City - 2014 01 06.jpg authorized the transition of peacekeeping from the African Union led MISCA to a United Nations peacekeeping mission called MINUSCA in 2014.]]

After three days of talks, a ceasefire was signed on 24 July 2014 in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/world/africa/central-african-republic-factions-approve-a-cease-fire-agreement.html | title=Central African Republic: Factions Approve a Cease-Fire Agreement | agency=Associated Press | work=The New York Times | date=23 July 2014 | access-date=24 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725024900/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/world/africa/central-african-republic-factions-approve-a-cease-fire-agreement.html | archive-date=25 July 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} The Séléka representative was General Mohamed Moussa Dhaffane, and the Anti-balaka representative was Patrick Edouard Ngaïssona. The talks were mediated by Congolese president Denis Sassou Nguesso and South Sudanese diplomat Albino Aboug.{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrica-talks-idUKKBN0FS2GJ20140723?feedType=RSS | title=Central African Republic groups sign ceasefire after talks | work=Reuters | date=24 July 2014 | access-date=24 July 2014 | author=Elion, Christian | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728034145/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/07/23/uk-centralafrica-talks-idUKKBN0FS2GJ20140723?feedType=RSS | archive-date=28 July 2014 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} The Séléka delegation had pushed for a formalization of the partition of the Central African Republic with Muslims in the north and Christians in the south but dropped that demand in talks.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28457599 | title=Central African Republic factions announce ceasefire | publisher=BBC | date=24 July 2014 | access-date=24 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724023706/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28457599 | archive-date=24 July 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Many factions on the ground claimed the talks were not representative and fighting continued with Séléka's military leader Joseph Zoundeiko rejected the ceasefire agreement the next day saying it lacked input from his military wing and brought back the demand for partition.{{cite news |date=25 July 2014 |title=Central African Republic rebel chief rejects ceasefire |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28487894 |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=26 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725211557/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28487894 |archive-date=25 July 2014 |url-status=live }} Ngaïssona told a general assembly of Anti-balaka fighters and supporters to lay down their arms and that Anti-balaka would be turned into a political party called Central African Party for Unity and Development (PCUD) but he had little control over the loose network of fighters.{{cite news|date=30 November 2014|title=Anti-Balaka group to lay down arms in CAR|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/11/anti-balaka-group-lay-down-arms-car-20141130152911116208.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219063019/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/11/anti-balaka-group-lay-down-arms-car-20141130152911116208.html|archive-date=19 February 2017|url-status=live}} In May 2015, a national reconciliation conference organized by the transitional government of the Central Africa Republic took place. This was called the Bangui National Forum. The forum resulted in the adoption of a Republican Pact for Peace, National Reconciliation and Reconstruction and the signature of a Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation and Repatriation (DDRR) agreement among 9 of 10 armed groups.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-politics-idUSKBN0NV0U020150510 Central African Republic militias agree to disarmament deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124035837/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/10/us-centralafrica-politics-idUSKBN0NV0U020150510 |date=24 November 2015 }} Reuters. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2015

File:Flag of Dar El Kuti Republic.svg.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN0TZ0TW20151216?sp=true|title=Rebel declares autonomous state in Central African Republic|work=Reuters|date=16 December 2015|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303043039/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN0TZ0TW20151216?sp=true|archive-date=3 March 2017|url-status=dead}}]]

Months after the official dissolution of Séléka it was not known who was in charge of Ex-Séléka factions during talks with Anti-balaka until on 12 July 2014, Michel DjotodiaCrispin Dembassa-Kette, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSKBN0FH0NL20140712 "Central Africa Republic's ousted leader back in charge of Seleka"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202522/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/12/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSKBN0FH0NL20140712 |date=24 September 2015 }}, Reuters, 12 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014. was reinstated as the head of an ad hoc coalition of Ex-Séléka{{cite news|last=Kleinfeld|first=Philip|title=Rebel schism drives alarming upsurge of violence in Central African Republic|url=http://www.irinnews.org/feature/2017/05/18/rebel-schism-drives-alarming-upsurge-violence-central-african-republic|agency=IRIN|date=18 May 2017|access-date= 18 May 2017}} which renamed itself "The Popular Front for the Rebirth (or Renaissance) of Central African Republic" (FPRC).[https://www.foxnews.com/world/central-african-republic-ex-president-re-elected-head-of-rebel-movement/ Central African Republic: Ex-president re-elected head of rebel movement] Associated Press. 13 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014 Later in 2014, Noureddine Adam led the FPRC and began demanding independence for the predominantly Muslim north, a move rejected by another general, Ali Darassa, who formed another Ex-Séléka faction called the "Union for Peace in the Central African Republic" (UPC), which was dominant in and around Bambari, while the FPRC's capital is in Bria.{{cite web|url=https://international.la-croix.com/news/the-battle-of-ouaka-in-central-african-republic/4756|title=The battle of Ouaka in Central African Republic|publisher=LaCroix International|date=27 February 2017|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227131744/https://international.la-croix.com/news/the-battle-of-ouaka-in-central-african-republic/4756|archive-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live}} Darassa rebuffed multiple attempts to reunify Séléka and threatened FPRC's hegemony. Noureddine Adam declared the autonomous Republic of Logone or Dar El Kuti{{cite web|url=http://www.enoughproject.org/reports/dangerous-divisions-central-african-republic-faces-threat-secession|title=Dangerous Divisions: The Central African Republic faces the threat of secession|publisher=Enough Project|date=15 February 2017|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302194833/http://www.enoughproject.org/reports/dangerous-divisions-central-african-republic-faces-threat-secession|archive-date=2 March 2017|url-status=live}} on 14 December 2015 and intended Bambari as the capital, with the transitional government denouncing the declaration and MINUSCA stating it will use force against any separatist attempt. Another group is the "Central African Patriotic Movement" (MPC), founded by Mahamat Al Khatim.

File:Faustin Touadera.jpg succeeds interim head Catherine Samba-Panza to become president following the 2016 election.]]

Since 2014, there has been little government control outside of the capital. Armed entrepreneurs have carved out personal fiefdoms in which they set up checkpoints, collect illegal taxes, and take in millions of dollars from the illicit coffee, mineral, and timber trades. At least 14 armed groups vied for territory, notably four factions formed by Ex-Séléka leaders who controlled about 60% of the country's territory. In January 2015, talks in Nairobi between Joachim Kokate representing the Anti-balaka and Djotodia and Adam of FPRC led to another ceasefire agreement where they called for amnesty for all perpetrators of abuses and the removal of the current transitional authorities. The transitional government and the international community dismissed the deal as it excluded them from the negotiations and termed the parties "Nairobists".{{cite news|date=9 April 2015|title=CAR rebel factions sign ceasefire agreement in Kenya|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/car-rebels-ceasefire-agreement-150408171923689.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316115620/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/car-rebels-ceasefire-agreement-150408171923689.html|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}} By October 2015, Samba-Panza accused the Nairobists of plotting a coup and dozens of FPRC combatants even walked from the north-east of the country to Sibut, a few kilometres from the capital, threatening the transitional authorities, but were stopped by international forces. With the de facto partition of the country between Ex-Séléka militias in the north and east and Anti-balaka militias in the south and west, hostilities between both sides decreased but sporadic fighting continued.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/car-violence-rises-shot-children-husband-180211091014962.html|title=CAR violence rises: 'They shot my children and husband'|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=12 February 2018|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410173924/https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/car-violence-rises-shot-children-husband-180211091014962.html|archive-date=10 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.msf.org/en/article/car-four-things-know-about-conflict-central-african-republic|title=CAR: Four things to know about the conflict in the Central African Republic|publisher=Médecins Sans FrontièresMSFdate=10 April 2018|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416012954/http://www.msf.org/en/article/car-four-things-know-about-conflict-central-african-republic|archive-date=16 April 2018|url-status=live}} In February 2016, after a peaceful election, the former prime minister Faustin-Archange Touadéra was elected president. In October 2016, France announced that it was ending its peacekeeping mission in the country, Operation Sangaris, and largely withdrew its troops, saying that the operation was a success.{{cite news|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/11/01/french-peacekeepers-pull-out-as-new-violence-erupts-in-the-central-african-republic/|title=French Peacekeepers Pull Out as New Violence Erupts in the Central African Republic|publisher=foreign policy magazine|access-date=3 November 2016|date=1 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103055319/http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/11/01/french-peacekeepers-pull-out-as-new-violence-erupts-in-the-central-african-republic/|archive-date=3 November 2016|url-status=live}} By March 2014, the UNSC had authorised a probe into possible genocide, which in turn followed International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda initiating a preliminary investigation into the "extreme brutality" and whether it falls into the court's remit. The UNSC mandate probe would be led by Cameroonian lawyer Bernard Acho Muna, who was the deputy chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, former Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jorge Castañeda and Mauritanian lawyer Fatimata M'Baye.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/03/un-launches-car-probe-prevent-genocide-201431011522234885.html|title=UN launches CAR probe to prevent genocide|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313062414/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/03/un-launches-car-probe-prevent-genocide-201431011522234885.html|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=live}} The ICC began prosecutions and Alfred Yekatom of the Anti-Balaka who was involved in the 'Battle of Bangui' and Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona of the Anti-Balaka were arrested in 2018, although no one from the Ex-Séléka was arrested.

File:CentralAfricanRepublic2017.svg. in May 2017]]

In eastern CAR, tensions erupted in competition between Ex-Séléka militias arising over control of a goldmine in November 2016, where MPC and the FPRC coalition, which incorporated elements of their former enemy, the Anti-balaka, attacked UPC.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/02/16/central-african-republic-executions-rebel-group|title=Central African Republic: Executions by rebel group|date=16 February 2017|publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=17 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216070726/https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/02/16/central-african-republic-executions-rebel-group|archive-date=16 February 2017|url-status=live}} The violence is often ethnic in nature with the FPRC associated with the Gula and Runga people and the UPC associated with the Fulani. Most of the fighting was in the centrally located Ouaka prefecture, which has the country's second largest city Bambari, because of its strategic location between the Muslim and Christian regions of the country and its wealth. The fight for Bambari in early 2017 displaced 20,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-violence-idUSKBN15R0WC|title=U.N. air strikes in Central African Republic kill several: militia|date=12 February 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214000843/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-violence-idUSKBN15R0WC|archive-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live}} MINUSCA made a robust deployment to prevent FPRC taking the city and in February 2017, Joseph Zoundeiko, the chief of staff{{cite news|date=29 July 2014|title=CAR crisis: Meeting the rebel army chief|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28526362|newspaper=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928164704/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-28526362|archive-date=28 September 2018|url-status=live}} of FPRC who previously led the military wing of Séléka, was killed by MINUSCA after crossing one of the red lines.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/central-african-republic-war-fprc-car-556068|title=U.N. 'KILLS REBEL COMMANDER' IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC AIRSTRIKES|website=Newsweek|date=13 February 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213235108/http://www.newsweek.com/central-african-republic-war-fprc-car-556068|archive-date=13 February 2017|url-status=live}} At the same time, MINUSCA negotiated the removal of Ali Darassa from the city. This led to UPC to find new territory, spreading the fighting from urban to rural areas previously spared. Additionally, the thinly spread MINUSCA relied on Ugandan as well as American special forces to keep the peace in the southeast, as they were part of a campaign to eliminate the Lord's Resistance Army, but the mission ended in April 2017. By the latter half of 2017, the fighting largely shifted to the southeast where the UPC reorganized and were pursued by the FPRC and Anti-balaka with the level of violence only matched by the early stage of the war.{{cite news|url=http://www.irinnews.org/feature/2017/10/30/people-are-dying-every-day-car-refugees-fleeing-war-suffer-congo|title=CAR refugees fleeing war suffer in Congo|agency=IRIN|date=30 October 2017|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041544/http://www.irinnews.org/feature/2017/10/30/people-are-dying-every-day-car-refugees-fleeing-war-suffer-congo|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/red-cross-115-bodies-car-bangassou-170517114611855.html|title=Red Cross: 115 bodies found in CAR's Bangassou|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=17 May 2017|access-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518042518/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/red-cross-115-bodies-car-bangassou-170517114611855.html|archive-date=18 May 2017|url-status=live}} About 15,000 people fled from their homes in an attack in May and six U.N. peacekeepers were killed – the deadliest month for the mission yet.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/red-cross-finds-115-dead-central-african-republic-47460509|title=Red Cross finds 115 dead in Central African Republic town|publisher=ABC|date=17 May 2017|access-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517155002/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/red-cross-finds-115-dead-central-african-republic-47460509|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=dead}} In June 2017, another ceasefire was signed in Rome by the government and 14 armed groups including FPRC, but the next day fighting between an FPRC faction and Anti-balaka militias killed more than 100 people.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-24/bodies-strewn-across-town-after-central-african-republic-clashes|title=Bodies Strewn Across Town After Central African Republic Clashes|publisher=Bloomberg|date=24 June 2017|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625212745/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-24/bodies-strewn-across-town-after-central-african-republic-clashes|archive-date=25 June 2017|url-status=live}} In October 2017, another ceasefire was signed between the UPC, the FPRC, and Anti-balaka groups, and FPRC announced Ali Darassa as coalition vice-president, but fighting continued afterward. By July 2018 the FPRC was headed by Abdoulaye Hissène and based in the northeastern town of N'Délé.{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20180713-reporters-plus-central-african-republic-way-warlords|title=Central African Republic: The way of the warlord|publisher=France 24|date=13 July 2018|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729051256/http://www.france24.com/en/20180713-reporters-plus-central-african-republic-way-warlords|archive-date=29 July 2018|url-status=live}} In 2019, the FPRC split into two factions, a Runga group on one side, including Abdoulaye Hissene, and rival fighters from the Gula and Kara on the other side.

In western CAR, another rebel group, with no known links to Séléka or Anti-balaka, called "Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation" (3R) formed in 2015 reportedly by Sidiki Abass,{{cite news|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/12/20/central-african-republic-mayhem-new-group|title=Central African Republic: Mayhem by New Group|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=20 December 2016|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301094442/https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/12/20/central-african-republic-mayhem-new-group|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}} claiming to be protecting Muslim Fulani people from an Anti-balaka militia led by Abbas Rafal.{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/newly-formed-3r-rebel-group-inflicts-horrors-car-161223035217671.html|title=Newly formed 3R rebel group inflicts horrors in CAR: UN|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=23 December 2016|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227235903/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/newly-formed-3r-rebel-group-inflicts-horrors-car-161223035217671.html|archive-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live}} They are accused of displacing 17,000 people in November 2016 and at least 30,000 people in the Ouham-Pendé prefecture in December 2016. In northwestern CAR around Paoua, fighting since December 2017 between "Revolution and Justice" (RJ) and "Movement for the Liberation of the Central African Republic People" (MNLC) displaced around 60,000 people. MNLC, founded in October 2017,{{cite news|url=https://www.demorgen.be/buitenland/honderden-mensen-op-de-vlucht-voor-geweld-in-centraal-afrikaanse-republiek-bfce6eec/|title=Honderden mensen op de vlucht voor geweld in Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek|publisher=DeMorgan|date=31 December 2017|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119121009/https://www.demorgen.be/buitenland/honderden-mensen-op-de-vlucht-voor-geweld-in-centraal-afrikaanse-republiek-bfce6eec/|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}} was led by Ahamat Bahar, a former member and co-founder of FPRC and MRC, and is allegedly backed by Fulani fighters from Chad. The Christian{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/central-african-republic-new-national-army/3651217.html|title=CAR Gets First Building Block in New National Army|publisher=Voice of America|date=26 December 2016|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120644/https://www.voanews.com/a/central-african-republic-new-national-army/3651217.html|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}} militant group RJ was formed in 2013, mostly by members of the presidential guard of former president Ange-Félix Patassé, and were composed mainly of ethnic Sara-Kaba.{{cite news|url=http://www.irinnews.org/report/100623/armed-groups-car|title=Armed groups in CAR|agency=IRIN|date=17 September 2014|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119175434/http://www.irinnews.org/report/100623/armed-groups-car|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}} While both groups had previously divided the territory in the Northwest, tensions erupted after the killing of RJ leader, Clément Bélanga,

{{cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2018/01/09/centrafrique-au-moins-25-000-nouveaux-deplaces-dans-le-nord-ouest_5239303_3212.html|title=Centrafrique: au moins 25 000 nouveaux déplacés dans le nord-ouest|work=Le Monde|date=9 January 2018|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118110538/http://www.lemonde.fr//afrique/article/2018/01/09/centrafrique-au-moins-25-000-nouveaux-deplaces-dans-le-nord-ouest_5239303_3212.html|archive-date=18 January 2018|url-status=live}}

in November 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2018-01-17-in-central-african-republic-militia-violence-leaves-villages-devastated/|title=In Central African Republic, militia violence leaves villages devastated|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=17 January 2018|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117223849/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2018-01-17-in-central-african-republic-militia-violence-leaves-villages-devastated/|archive-date=17 January 2018|url-status=live}}

File:RussiansinBangui.pngn BRDM-2 armored vehicles to Central African Republic, October 2020]]

Beginning around 2017, Russia began to increasingly support the government of Touadéra, whose personal guard became largely Russian as well. Three Russian journalists were killed in 2018 while investigating Russian mercenary groups in CAR. In August 2018, Russia and Sudan helped broker another tentative agreement among armed groups.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/29/france-warns-russian-arms-advisers-central-african-republic/|title=France warns on Russian arms and advisers in Central African Republic|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 October 2018|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129181310/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/29/france-warns-russian-arms-advisers-central-african-republic/|archive-date=29 January 2019|url-status=live}} After talks in Khartoum, an African Union led initiative led to an accord between the government and 14 rebel groups in February 2019 called the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation,{{citation |url=http://www.assembleenationale-rca.cf/lassemblee-nationale-approuve-le-projet-de-loi-portant-creation-organisation-et-fonctionnement-de-la-commission-verite-justice-reparation-et-reconciliation/ |publisher=[Assemblée Nationale République Centrafricaine] |title=THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES THE DRAFT LAW ON THE CREATION, ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONING OF THE TRUTH, JUSTICE, REPAIR AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605183844/http://www.assembleenationale-rca.cf/lassemblee-nationale-approuve-le-projet-de-loi-portant-creation-organisation-et-fonctionnement-de-la-commission-verite-justice-reparation-et-reconciliation/ |url-status=dead }} the eighth such agreement since the war started in 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-02-25-will-the-latest-central-african-republic-peace-deal-hold/|title=Will the latest Central African Republic peace deal hold?|work=Daily Maverick|date=25 February 2019|access-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307112750/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-02-25-will-the-latest-central-african-republic-peace-deal-hold/|archive-date=7 March 2019|url-status=live}} As part of the accord, Ali Darassa of UPC, Mahamat Al-Khatim of MPC and Sidiki Abass of 3R were given positions as special military advisers to the prime minister's office overseeing special mixed units made of government and rebel soldiers in regions of the country that they already controlled.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/24/central-african-republic-dont-reward-warlords|title=Central African Republic:Don't reward warlords|publisher=Human Rights Watch|date=24 April 2019|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502063742/https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/24/central-african-republic-dont-reward-warlords|url-status=live}} This did not stop the violence, with 3R killing more than 50 people in several villages in May 2019,{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/50-killed-armed-group-attack-villages-car-190524193707718.html|title=At least 50 killed in armed group attack on villages in CAR: UN|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=24 May 2019|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920180818/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/50-killed-armed-group-attack-villages-car-190524193707718.html|url-status=live}} leading to MINUSCA to launch a military operation against them. In August 2019, Sidiki Abbas of 3R and Mahamat Al-Khatim of MPC resigned from their government posts. Democratic Front of the Central African People (FDPC) leader Abdoulaye Miskine refused to take his government post and joined a new rebel group formed in June 2019 called "Partie du Rassemblement de la Nation Centrafricaine" (PRNC) to oppose the peace deal, claiming that the deal is a way of rebel leaders to gain money and posts from the government.{{cite news|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/car-s-peace-deal-under-threat|title=The CAR's peace deal under threat|publisher=The New Humanitarian|date=4 October 2019|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218031819/https://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/car-s-peace-deal-under-threat|url-status=live}} In September 2019, fighting between two rebel groups that signed the February 2019 deal, FPRC and the mostly Kara "Movement of Central African Liberators for Justice" (MLCJ), which was founded by Abakar Sabon and was not part of the Séléka alliance that overthrew Bozizé, killed at least 24 people and displaced about 24,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2019/11/04/Central-African-Republic-rebels-fight-peace-deal|title=Briefing: In Central African Republic, rebels fight on as peace deal falters|publisher=The New Humanitarian|date=4 November 2019|access-date=17 December 2019|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218063751/https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2019/11/04/Central-African-Republic-rebels-fight-peace-deal|url-status=live}}

File:CAR2021.svg on 3 January 2021 at the height of CPC control.]]

Presidential and legislative elections were scheduled for 27 December 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2020/12/1/central-african-republic-elections-boziz%C3%A9-touad%C3%A9ra-peace-deal|title=Old faces, familiar fears: Central African Republic's tense election|publisher=The New Humanitarian|date=1 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211070256/https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2020/12/1/central-african-republic-elections-boziz%C3%A9-touad%C3%A9ra-peace-deal|url-status=live}} Former president François Bozizé had announced his return to the country in December 2019 and his intent to run in the presidential election.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/car-president-francois-bozize-returns-home-exile-191216184457347.html|title=Ex-CAR President Francois Bozize 'returns home' from exile|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=16 December 2019|access-date=14 February 2020|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215031827/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/car-president-francois-bozize-returns-home-exile-191216184457347.html|url-status=live}} Bozizé, of the Gbaya, the country's largest ethnic group, retained much support among the population and army members.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/23/un-says-seized-car-town-under-peacekeepers-control|title=Bambari: UN says seized CAR town now under peacekeepers' control|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=23 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227094757/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/23/un-says-seized-car-town-under-peacekeepers-control|url-status=live}}

On 19 December 2020 six rebel groups who together control two-thirds of the country's territory,{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/13/rebels-launch-attacks-on-central-african-republics-capital|title=Rebels launch attacks on Central African Republic's capital|date=13 January 2021|access-date=13 January 2021|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930122142/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/13/rebels-launch-attacks-on-central-african-republics-capital|url-status=live}} including 3R led by General Sembé Bobo, FPRC, and UPC,{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/22/russia-confirms-sending-300-military-instructors-to-car|title=CAR rebels seize Bambari city, Russia confirms sending military|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=24 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124161559/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/22/russia-confirms-sending-300-military-instructors-to-car|url-status=live}} announced they had formed an alliance called the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), and accused President Touadéra of trying to rig the election and stated their intent to advance to the capital. They seized several towns close to Bangui. The government accused Bozizé of fomenting a coup with the rebels after his candidacy for presidential elections was rejected by the country's highest court, but Bozizé denied this.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55387951|title=François Bozizé: CAR former president denies 'attempted coup'|publisher=BBC|date=21 December 2020|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222134045/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55387951|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/25/central-african-rebel-groups-call-off-ceasefire-before-election|title=CAR rebels call off truce, resume march on Bangui as polls loom|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=25 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227061717/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/25/central-african-rebel-groups-call-off-ceasefire-before-election|url-status=live}}

On 20 December 2020 Rwanda confirmed it had sent troops and Russia said it had sent 300 military instructors.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-election-security/russia-rwanda-send-military-support-to-central-africa-republic-to-quell-election-violence-idUSKBN28V1IF|title=Russia, Rwanda send military support to Central Africa Republic to quell election violence|publisher=Reuters|date=21 December 2020|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222020028/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-election-security/russia-rwanda-send-military-support-to-central-africa-republic-to-quell-election-violence-idUSKBN28V1IF|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-troops-central-african-republic-coup/31011677.html|title=Central African Republic Says Russia Deploys Troops In Face Of Coup Threat|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=21 December 2020|access-date=22 December 2020|archive-date=22 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222091443/https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-troops-central-african-republic-coup/31011677.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_russia-sends-300-military-instructors-central-africa-republic/6199873.html|title=Russia Sends 300 Military Instructors to Central Africa Republic|publisher=Voice of America|date=22 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=26 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226002205/https://www.voanews.com/africa/russia-sends-300-military-instructors-central-africa-republic|url-status=live}} On 22 December, the CPC, in an offensive led by UPC, had taken the country's fourth largest city, Bambari, according to its mayor, but the UN stated that its peacekeepers had retaken the city the next day. On 28 December, it was announced by the electoral commission that 800 (14%) of polling stations failed to operate during the presidential and legislative elections due to violent attacks from armed rebels.{{Cite news|date=29 December 2020|title=Violence closed 800 polling stations in Central African Republic|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-election-idUSKBN2921PW|access-date=29 December 2020|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229082059/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-election-idUSKBN2921PW|url-status=live}}

On 3 January 2021, MINUSCA reported that the rebel coalition partially captured Bangassou, adding that the fighters were allied to former president François Bozizé. It is argued that the arrival of the Rwandans and Russians thwarted the rebels from reaching Bangui and so the rebels adopted a long-term strategy of suffocating Bangui by controlling the resources around it,{{Cite news|author=Al Jazeera Staff|date=4 January 2021|title=CAR rebels attack and enter town before poll results announced|language=en|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/4/car-rebels-seize-central-town-of-bangassou|access-date=5 January 2021|archive-date=4 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104125058/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/4/car-rebels-seize-central-town-of-bangassou|url-status=live}} however, on 13 January, the CPC attacked the capital but were eventually repelled.{{Cite news|last=Rolland|first=Antoine|date=13 January 2021|title=Bullets and panic: rebels attack Central African Republic capital|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrica-security-idUSKBN29I1Y1|access-date=13 January 2021|archive-date=3 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103172041/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrica-security-idUSKBN29I1Y1|url-status=live}}

On 4 January, the electoral commission declared Touadéra the winner of the presidential election.{{Cite news|author=Antoine Rolland|date=4 January 2021|title=Central African Republic President Touadera is re-elected|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-election/central-african-republic-president-touadera-wins-re-election-idUSKBN29927S|access-date=29 December 2020|archive-date=5 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105094252/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-election/central-african-republic-president-touadera-wins-re-election-idUSKBN29927S|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=30 January 2021|title=Central African Republic's capital in 'apocalyptic situation' as rebels close in|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55872485|access-date=31 January 2021|archive-date=31 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131102847/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55872485|url-status=live}} A state of emergency was declared in 25 January, and President Touadéra has been accused of using that opportunity to crack down on opponents and consolidate power. Pro-Touadéra militias known as the "Sharks" and "7th Territorial Infantry Battalion" are alleged to have been involved in disappearances of members of Bozizé's party and former president's Catherine Samba-Panza, as well as challengers of Touadéra in the recent polls, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Martin Ziguélé, report being prevented from exiting the country.

Since January 2021, due to the actions of Russia's neo-Nazi-linked{{efn|{{cite journal |author-last=Faulkner |author-first=Christopher |date=June 2022 |url=https://ctc.westpoint.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CTC-SENTINEL-062022.pdf |title=Undermining Democracy and Exploiting Clients: The Wagner Group's Nefarious Activities in Africa |url-status=live |editor1-last=Cruickshank |editor1-first=Paul |editor2-last=Hummel |editor2-first=Kristina |journal=CTC Sentinel |volume=15 |issue=6 |pages=28–37 |publisher=Combating Terrorism Center |location=West Point, New York |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719173200/https://ctc.westpoint.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CTC-SENTINEL-062022.pdf |archive-date=19 July 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022}}{{Cite news |title=Moscow Turns U.S. Volunteers Into New Bogeyman in Ukraine |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/15/russia-mercenaries-volunteers-ukraine/ |work=Foreign Policy |last=Ling |first=Justin |date=15 March 2022 |quote=The propaganda campaign has extolled the Wagner Group as hunting neo-Nazis and extremists. Yet the group’s own ties to the Russian far-right are well documented: The likely founder of the group has the logo of the Nazi Schutzstaffel tattooed on his neck. Various elements of the current Wagner Group have ties to neo-Nazis and far-right extremism. |access-date=26 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/putin-nazi-pretext-russia-war-ukraine-belied-white-supremacy-ties-rcna23043|title=One of the worst ways Putin is gaslighting the world on Ukraine|work=NBC News|publisher=NBC|last1=Soufan|first1=Ali|last2=Sales|first2=Nathan|quote="The Wagner Group is named after the 19th century German composer Richard Wagner, whose music Adolf Hitler adored. The group’s leader, Dmitry Utkin, reportedly wears Nazi tattoos, including a swastika, a Nazi eagle and SS lightning bolts. Wagner mercenaries are reported to have left behind neo-Nazi propaganda in the war zones where they’ve fought, including graffiti with hate symbols."}}}} Wagner Group and neo-Nazi{{cite web |url=https://www.counterextremism.com/threat/russian-imperial-movement-rim/report | title=Russian Imperial Movement (RIM) | work=Counter Extremism Project | date=6 October 2022}} Russian Imperial Movement, the rebels have been on the retreat for the first time in years. On 25 January 2021, CAR forces, backed by Russian PMCs and Rwandan troops, attacked Boyali, killing 44 rebels who were plotting an assault on the capital.{{cite news |last1=Munshi |first1=Neil |title=Central African Republic troops beat back rebels with Russian help |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/africa/central-african-republic-troops-beat-back-rebels-with-russian-help-1.4468637 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=26 January 2021 |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126215921/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/africa/central-african-republic-troops-beat-back-rebels-with-russian-help-1.4468637 |url-status=live }} Subsequently, CAR forces, supported by the Russian contractors and Rwandan troops, captured a number of strategic towns throughout February 2021, including Bossembele, Bouar, Beloko and Bossangoa. As the rebels were being pushed back, Valery Zakharov urged them to hand over their leaders to the CAR's security forces.{{cite news |title=C. Africa govt forces retake key town from rebels |url=https://www.enca.com/news/c-africa-govt-forces-retake-key-town-rebels |work=eNCA |agency=AFP |date=4 February 2021 |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=28 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128110021/https://www.enca.com/news/c-africa-govt-forces-retake-key-town-rebels |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/c-africa-pro-government-forces-174549397.html|title=C.Africa pro-government forces retake strategic town: spokesman|website=news.yahoo.com|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312150858/https://news.yahoo.com/c-africa-pro-government-forces-174549397.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/russian-advisor-c-africa-urges-144209564.html|title=Russian advisor in C.Africa urges rebels to turn in their leaders|website=news.yahoo.com|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312150259/https://news.yahoo.com/russian-advisor-c-africa-urges-144209564.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/c-africa-forces-seize-bozize-112959110.html|title=C. Africa forces seize Bozize stronghold: government|website=news.yahoo.com|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312150258/https://news.yahoo.com/c-africa-forces-seize-bozize-112959110.html|url-status=dead}} During the fighting, the rebel Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) claimed its fighters killed several Wagner Group PMCs and captured one when they destroyed their truck near Bambari on 10 February.{{Cite web|url=https://news.rambler.ru/army/45827681-boytsov-chvk-vagnera-ubili-v-tsar/|title=Бойцов ЧВК Вагнера убили в ЦАР|website=Рамблер/новости|date=16 February 2021|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026103537/https://news.rambler.ru/army/45827681-boytsov-chvk-vagnera-ubili-v-tsar/|url-status=live}}

File:Russian vehicle in Bria.jpg

File:3Rrebels.jpg

Government advances, with the support of Russian and Rwandan forces, continued during March, April and May 2021.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} This included the capture of the strategic towns of Bria and Kaga-Bandoro{{cite news |last1=Etahoben |first1=Chief Bisong |title=Tension Grows In Central African Republic As FACA Soldiers Kill Unarmed Rebel |url=https://humanglemedia.com/tension-grows-in-central-african-republic-as-faca-soldiers-kill-unarmed-rebel/ |work=HumAngle |date=23 March 2021 |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220192936/https://humanglemedia.com/tension-grows-in-central-african-republic-as-faca-soldiers-kill-unarmed-rebel/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://fr.news.yahoo.com/centrafrique-l-arm%C3%A9e-reprend-contr%C3%B4le-133700753.html|title=Centrafrique: l'armée et ses alliés reprennent la ville stratégique de Kaga-Bandoro|website=fr.news.yahoo.com|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114122100/https://fr.news.yahoo.com/centrafrique-l-arm%C3%A9e-reprend-contr%C3%B4le-133700753.html|url-status=dead}} and the Bakouma sub-prefecture.{{cite news |title=RCA: la ville de Bakoum désormais sous contrôle des FACA et leurs alliés |url=https://ndjonisango.com/2021/05/10/rca-la-ville-de-bakoum-desormais-sous-controle-des-faca-et-leurs-allies/ |work=Ndjoni Sango |date=10 May 2021 |language=fr |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027202913/https://ndjonisango.com/2021/05/10/rca-la-ville-de-bakoum-desormais-sous-controle-des-faca-et-leurs-allies/ |url-status=live }}{{unreliable source?|date=July 2023}} Some towns were also seized solely by the Russian PMCs,{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} including Nzacko.{{cite news |last1=Etahoben |first1=Chief Bisong |title=Russian Mercenaries Recapture Nzako Town In Central African Republic |url=https://humanglemedia.com/russian-mercenaries-recapture-nzako-town-in-central-african-republic/ |work=HumAngle |date=28 April 2021 |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220192937/https://humanglemedia.com/russian-mercenaries-recapture-nzako-town-in-central-african-republic/ |url-status=live }} In at least one instance, the contractors reportedly included Syrians.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

On 25 March, 3R rebel leader Sidiki Abass, whose group is accused of war crimes, succumbed to his injuries in the northern part of the country.{{Cite web|title=Key C. Africa rebel group says chief has been killed|url=https://news.yahoo.com/key-c-africa-rebel-group-150511495.html|access-date=2 April 2021|website=news.yahoo.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402184715/https://news.yahoo.com/key-c-africa-rebel-group-150511495.html|url-status=dead}} In April 2021, the UPC, then the biggest of the armed rebel groups,{{cite news |title=Nine Militia Fighters Arrested in Central African Republic Killings |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/05/27/militia-fighters-car/ |work=The Defense Post |agency=AFP |date=27 May 2020 |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514033737/https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/05/27/militia-fighters-car/ |url-status=live }} withdrew from the CPC{{cite news |title=Powerful armed group in Central African Republic vows to leave rebel coalition |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210405-powerful-armed-group-in-central-african-republic-vows-to-leave-rebel-coalition |work=France 24 |agency=AFP |date=5 April 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514033739/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210405-powerful-armed-group-in-central-african-republic-vows-to-leave-rebel-coalition |url-status=live }} and asked to talk with the government which has declined so far. The rebels were seen to be moving away from cities and towards peripheral areas and turning to guerilla tactics instead of open fighting.{{cite news |last1=Losh |first1=Jack |title=Central African Republic war: No-go zones and Russian meddling |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58641124 |work=BBC News |date=22 September 2021 |access-date=30 September 2021 |archive-date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930001958/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58641124 |url-status=live }}

By mid-May, the Russians have captured a village about 40 km from Bambari during fighting that left 20 people dead.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} In addition, at the end of the month, Russian and Syrian PMCs of the Wagner Group attacked a rebel checkpoint at the entrance of a village 28 km from Bria, killing three CPC fighters.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} Towards the end of July, the CAR military was leaving the frontline against the CPC to the PMCs. The plan was for government troops to occupy the captured positions after they had been secured by the contractors.{{cite news |last1=Olivier |first1=Mathieu |title=Russia/Africa: Wagner, an investigation into Putin's mercenaries |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/112649/russia-africa-wagner-an-investigation-into-putins-mercenaries/ |work=The Africa Report.com |date=28 July 2021 |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=19 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219223949/https://www.theafricareport.com/112649/russia-africa-wagner-an-investigation-into-putins-mercenaries/ |url-status=live }}

The increase in influence by Russia at the expense of France in its former colony led to a disinformation campaign on Facebook between the two powers and France suspending aid and military cooperation with the CAR government in May 2021.{{cite news |title=France suspends aid, military support for Central African Republic |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/france-suspends-aid-military-support-central-african-republic-2021-06-08/ |work=Reuters |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=30 September 2021 |archive-date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930002008/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/france-suspends-aid-military-support-central-african-republic-2021-06-08/ |url-status=live }}

On 5 October 2021, 34 civilians were killed by alleged UPC rebels in the village of Matchika near Bambari.{{cite news |title=Centrafrique: le bilan du drame de Bambari revu à la hausse |url=https://www.radiondekeluka.org/actualites/securite/37544-centrafrique-le-bilan-du-drame-de-bambari-revu-a-la-hausse.html |work=Radio Ndeke Luka |date=7 October 2021 |language=fr |access-date=18 October 2021 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008084913/https://www.radiondekeluka.org/actualites/securite/37544-centrafrique-le-bilan-du-drame-de-bambari-revu-a-la-hausse.html |url-status=live }} Between 6 and 16 December 2021 Anti-balaka fighters from pro-government faction killed number of Muslim civilians in Boyo commune for their alleged links with UPC rebels.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

On 16 and 17 January 2022, Russian mercenaries killed at least 65 civilians in Aïgbado and Yanga villages.{{cite news |title=Centrafrique: Massacre de Bria, le bilan s'alourdit de jour en jour et atteint près de 70 morts |url=https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.org/centrafrique-massacre-de-bria-le-bilan-salourdit-de-jour-en-jour-et-atteint-pres-de-70-morts/ |work=Corbeau News Centrafrique |date=24 January 2022 |language=fr |access-date=26 January 2022 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125084125/https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.org/centrafrique-massacre-de-bria-le-bilan-salourdit-de-jour-en-jour-et-atteint-pres-de-70-morts/ |url-status=live }} In March 2022, they launched a large offensive against armed groups in the northern part of the country, during which they reportedly killed hundreds of civilians, mostly artisanal miners.{{cite news |last1=Amin |first1=Mohammed |title=Russian mercenaries near Sudan accused of killing hundreds as African gold rush intensifies |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/russia-sudan-central-african-republic-mercenaries-kill-hundreds |work=Middle East Eye |date=5 April 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407002850/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/russia-sudan-central-african-republic-mercenaries-kill-hundreds |url-status=live }} In April 2022 a series of intercommunal clashes involving 3R rebels and pro-government faction of Anti-balaka led to dozens of deaths and displacement of more than 1,000 people in Gadzi.{{cite news |title=Centrafrique: nouvelle flambée de violence interethnique à Gadzi, plusieurs morts |url=https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.org/centrafrique-nouvelle-flambee-de-violence-interethnique-a-gadzi-plusieurs-morts/ |work=Corbeau News Centrafrique |date=11 April 2022 |language=fr |access-date=27 April 2022 |archive-date=19 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419132040/https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.org/centrafrique-nouvelle-flambee-de-violence-interethnique-a-gadzi-plusieurs-morts/ |url-status=live }} On 4 December 2022 leader of four armed groups (MLCJ, RPRC, UFR and UFR-R) signed in Bangui an agreement announcing their dissolution.{{cite news |last1=Yongo |first1=Judicael |title=Centrafrique: Quatre groupes armés actuellement dans le gouvernement renoncent à leurs mouvements |url=https://www.rjdhrca.org/centrafrique-quatre-groupes-armes-actuellement-dans-le-gouvernement-renoncent-a-leurs-mouvements/ |work=RJDH |date=7 December 2022 |language=fr |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207121142/https://www.rjdhrca.org/centrafrique-quatre-groupes-armes-actuellement-dans-le-gouvernement-renoncent-a-leurs-mouvements/ |url-status=live }}

It is argued that the focus of the initial disarmament efforts exclusively on the Séléka inadvertently handed the anti-Balaka the upper hand, leading to the forced displacement of Muslim civilians by anti-Balaka in Bangui and western CAR. While comparisons were often posed as the "next Rwanda", others{{cite web |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/blog/africa/deep-divisions-car-violence-continues |title=Deep divisions as CAR violence continues |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2 January 2014|access-date=6 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209191617/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/blog/africa/deep-divisions-car-violence-continues |archive-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=live }} suggested that the Bosnian Genocide's may be more apt as people were moving into religiously cleansed neighbourhoods. Even as Séléka was closing in on the capital, clashes began in Bangui's PK5 neighborhood, where members of ethnic groups with ties to Séléka were attacked, such as the Gula. After the withdrawal of Séléka leaders from Bangui, there was a wave of attacks against Muslims with anti-Muslim pogroms and looting of Muslim neighborhoods,{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/new-car-pm-says-ending-atrocities-priority-2014126124325498176.html |title=New CAR PM says ending atrocities is priority |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205224521/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/new-car-pm-says-ending-atrocities-priority-2014126124325498176.html |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/car-lynching-201411919340862526.html |title=Bodies burnt in CAR lynching |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123031550/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/car-lynching-201411919340862526.html |archive-date=23 January 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Inside Story |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2014/01/car-at-crossroads-conflict-20141219338989609.html |title=CAR: At a crossroads of conflict |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127035106/http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2014/01/car-at-crossroads-conflict-20141219338989609.html |archive-date=27 January 2014 |url-status=live }} including the lynching of the Muslim former Health Minister Dr. Joseph Kalite{{cite news |last=Braun |first=Emmanuel |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrican-idUKBREA0N1K620140124 |title=Former minister killed as Central African Republic clashes escalate |work=Reuters |date=2 January 2014|access-date=6 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222203524/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/01/24/uk-centralafrican-idUKBREA0N1K620140124 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead }} by Christian self-defence groups.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/car-decide-interim-leader-amid-violence-201412010845191649.html |title=CAR to decide on interim leader amid violence |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123074557/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/car-decide-interim-leader-amid-violence-201412010845191649.html |archive-date=23 January 2014 |url-status=live }} Accounts state of lynch mobs, including that of uniformed soldiers, stoning or hacking Muslims then dismembering and burning their bodies in the streets.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/us-calls-car-end-cycle-violence-2014264470308424.html |title=US calls on CAR to end cycle of violence |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=6 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414180526/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/us-calls-car-end-cycle-violence-2014264470308424.html |archive-date=14 April 2014 |url-status=live }} In 2014, Amnesty International reported several massacres committed by the anti-balakas against Muslim civilians, forcing thousands of Muslims to flee the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/14/muslim-convoy-central-african-republic-exodus|title=Christian threats force Muslim convoy to turn back in CAR exodus|work=The Guardian|date=14 February 2014|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202135452/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/14/muslim-convoy-central-african-republic-exodus|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}} Other sources report incidents of Muslims being cannibalized.{{cite web|url=http://newsafrica.co.uk/hatred-turns-into-cannibalism-in-car/|title=Hatred turns into Cannibalism in CAR|work=Centre for African news|access-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110052646/http://newsafrica.co.uk/hatred-turns-into-cannibalism-in-car/|archive-date=10 January 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-centralafrica-resources-insight-idUKKBN0FY0LT20140729|title=Insight – Gold, diamonds feed Central African religious violence|newspaper=Reuters|date=29 July 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030012728/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/07/29/uk-centralafrica-resources-insight-idUKKBN0FY0LT20140729|archive-date=30 October 2014|url-status=dead|last1=Flynn|first1=Daniel}} On 10 April, MISCA troops escorted over 1,000 Muslims fleeing to Chad with a police source saying "not a single Muslim remains in Bossangoa."{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/african-troops-help-muslims-flee-car-201441213742873612.html|title=African troops help Muslims flee CAR|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511092027/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/04/african-troops-help-muslims-flee-car-201441213742873612.html|archive-date=11 May 2014|url-status=live}} The Muslim population of Bangui dropped 99% from 138,000 to 900. In 2015, Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said 417 of the country's 436 mosques had been destroyed, and Muslim women were so scared of going out in public they were giving birth in their homes instead of going to the hospital.{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/world/almost-all-436-central-african-republic-mosques-destroyed-u-s-diplomat-1.2284619|title=Almost all 436 Central African Republic mosques destroyed: U.S. diplomat|date=17 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727184606/https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/world/almost-all-436-central-african-republic-mosques-destroyed-u-s-diplomat-1.2284619|url-status=live}}

Eric Danboy Bagale, head of former president François Bozizé's guard and head of the mostly Christian anti-Balaka militias, was arrested in Paris on 19 September 2020 for war crimes in relation to revenge killings.{{cite news |title=Central African Republic: Ex-officer arrested for war crimes |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54217290 |work=BBC News |date=19 September 2020 |access-date=17 July 2023 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621205125/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54217290 |url-status=live }}

Much of the tension is also over historical antagonism between agriculturalists, who largely comprise Anti-balaka and nomadic groups, who largely comprise Séléka fighters. There was ethnic violence during fighting between the Ex-Séléka militias FPRC and UPC, with the FPRC targeting Fulani people who largely make up the UPC and the UPC targeting the Gula and Runga people, who largely make up FPRC, as being sympathetic to FPRC. In November 2016 fighting in Bria that killed 85 civilians, FPRC was reported targeting Fulani people in house-to-house searches, lootings, abductions and killings.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/26/mass-killings-as-rebels-target-ethnic-fulanis-in-central-african-republic|title=Mass killings as rebels target ethnic Fulanis in Central African Republic|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 March 2017|date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306040800/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/26/mass-killings-as-rebels-target-ethnic-fulanis-in-central-african-republic|archive-date=6 March 2017|url-status=live}}

Within the FPRC, the Gula wing attacked the Runga wing in Ndele in April 2020, with at least 25 people being killed.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/4/30/dozens-killed-in-northeast-central-african-republic-clashes|title=Dozens killed in northeast Central African Republic clashes|date=30 April 2020|access-date=13 January 2021|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116054752/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/4/30/dozens-killed-in-northeast-central-african-republic-clashes|url-status=live}}

It is also reported that in 2019, violence broke out in the northeastern region, where the killing of an ethnic Kara man sparked heavy fighting between the mainly Kara MLCJ and largely Runga FPRC.

In 2015, humanitarian aid workers in the CAR were involved in more than 365 security incidents, more than Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. By 2017, more than two-thirds of all health facilities have been damaged or destroyed.{{cite web|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/central-african-republic-clashes-could-trigger-humanitarian|title=Central African Republic clashes could trigger humanitarian 'catastrophe' – agencies|publisher=Relief Web|date=3 March 2017|access-date=4 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303220309/http://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/central-african-republic-clashes-could-trigger-humanitarian|archive-date=3 March 2017|url-status=live}} The crimes are often committed by individuals not associated with any armed rebel groups.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/car-becomes-most-dangerous-spot-for-aid-workers/3687731.html|title=CAR becomes most dangerous spot for aid workers|publisher=VOA|date=23 January 2017|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228084459/http://www.voanews.com/a/car-becomes-most-dangerous-spot-for-aid-workers/3687731.html|archive-date=28 February 2017|url-status=live}} There have been jail breaks with more than 500 inmates escaping from Nagaragba Central Prison, including fighters of both Christian and Muslim militias.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/world/africa/central-african-republic-hundreds-escape-prison-amid-days-of-unrest.html|title=Central African Republic: Hundreds Escape Prison Amid Days of Unrest|work=The New York Times|access-date=30 September 2015|date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004103926/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/world/africa/central-african-republic-hundreds-escape-prison-amid-days-of-unrest.html?_r=0|archive-date=4 October 2018|url-status=live}} By 2017, only eight of 35 prisons function and few courts operate outside the capital.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/central-african-republic-justice/3671804.html|title=In Central African Republic, "impunity on staggering scale"|publisher=VOA|date=11 January 2017|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228085702/http://www.voanews.com/a/central-african-republic-justice/3671804.html|archive-date=28 February 2017|url-status=live}} The international press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders said it was concerned that the rebel attacks were taking their toll on the ability of radio stations to operate in the CAR,{{cite web |first=Khephren |last=Fanga |title=Violence against journalists in Central African Republic |url=http://en.gabonews.com/international/items/violence-against-journalists-in-central-african-republic.html |publisher=Gabo News |date=13 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212160312/http://en.gabonews.com/international/items/violence-against-journalists-in-central-african-republic.html |archive-date=12 December 2013 }} with condemnation of the killing of journalist Elisabeth Blanche Olofio,{{cite news |title=Central African Republic: Central African Journalist Killed Amidst Revolt |publisher=allAfrica |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201301110286.html |date=10 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116055645/http://allafrica.com/stories/201301110286.html |archive-date=16 January 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Bambari: Une Journaliste Tuée par les Rebelles du Séléka |type=blog |url=http://reseaudesjournalistesrca.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/bambari-une-journaliste-tuee-par-les-rebelles-du-seleka/ |publisher=Le Réseau des journalistes pour les Droits de l'homme en République Centrafricaine (RJDH-RCA) |date=7 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115154203/http://reseaudesjournalistesrca.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/bambari-une-journaliste-tuee-par-les-rebelles-du-seleka/ |archive-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Unesco Press |title=Director-General denounces killing of community radio journalist Elisabeth Blanche Olofio in the Central African Republic |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_denounces_killing_of_community_radio_journalist_elisabeth_blanche_olofio_in_the_central_african_republic/ |publisher=United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |date=15 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222040919/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_denounces_killing_of_community_radio_journalist_elisabeth_blanche_olofio_in_the_central_african_republic/ |archive-date=22 February 2013 |url-status=live }} who worked for Radio Bé-Oko which is part of a network of apolitical radio stations known as L'Association des Radios Communautaires de Centrafrique.{{cite web |title=Elisabeth Blanche Olofio de la radio communautaire Be Oko de Bambari: assassinée par des éléments de la coalition Séléka |publisher=ARC Centrafrique |url=http://arc-radios-communautaires.net/republique_centrafricaine/republique_centrafricaine/elisabeth-blanche-olofio-de-la-radio-communautaire-be-oko-de-bambari-assassinee-par-des-elements-de-la-coalition-seleka/ |date=7 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801113548/http://arc-radios-communautaires.net/republique_centrafricaine/republique_centrafricaine/elisabeth-blanche-olofio-de-la-radio-communautaire-be-oko-de-bambari-assassinee-par-des-elements-de-la-coalition-seleka/ |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA – A journalist of a community radio station in Bambari has been killed |publisher=The Vatican Today |url=http://www.news.va/en/news/africacentral-africa-a-journalist-of-a-community-r |date=8 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212011909/http://www.news.va/en/news/africacentral-africa-a-journalist-of-a-community-r |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=live }}

File:Figure-fig3.jpg

The civil war has inflicted a severe economic toll on the country.{{cite journal |last1=Mandon|first1=P. |last2=Nossek |first2=V. |last3= Sandjong Tomi |first3=D. |year=2024 |title=Stuck in a Fragility Trap: The Case of the Central African Republic Civil War. |journal=Defence and Peace Economics |volume=online first |issue= |pages= 1–34|doi=10.1080/10242694.2024.2385385 |s2cid=271776608 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10242694.2024.2385385}} Research employing the synthetic control method (SCM)—a statistical technique that constructs a counterfactual scenario using data from comparable countries—estimates that the conflict caused a national GDP per capita decline of 45.3 percent to 47.8 percent over the decade from 2013 to 2022. This translates to a cumulative GDP loss ranging from US$29.7 billion to US$32.4 billion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Even under the most conservative estimates, a minimum decline of 35.3 percent in GDP per capita is observed over the same period. These findings are reinforced by remote sensed GDP data derived from nighttime lights and population data, which provide an alternative measure of economic activity in areas with limited official statistics.

In comparison to other conflicts analyzed using similar methods, the economic cost of the CAR civil war ranks among the highest in terms of relative GDP per capita decline.{{cite journal |last1=Costalli|first1=S. |last2=Moretti |first2=L. |last3=Pischedda |first3=C. |year=2017 |title=The Economic Costs of Civil War: Synthetic Counterfactual Evidence and the Effects of Ethnic Fractionalization. |journal=Journal of Peace Research |volume=54 |issue=1 |pages=80–98 |doi=10.1177/0022343316675200 |jstor=44511197 |s2cid=151363517 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44511197}} Moreover, the estimates surpass the economic costs of the Rwandan genocide—derived from another statistical methodology—which were estimated to reach between 25 to 30 percent of per capita GDP one decade after,{{cite journal |last1=Lopez|first1=H. |last2=Wodon |first2=Q. |year=2005 |title=The Economic Impact of Armed Conflict in Rwanda. |journal=Journal of African Economies |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=586–602 |doi=10.1093/jae/eji021 |s2cid=153810283 |url=https://academic.oup.com/jae/article-abstract/14/4/586/752068?redirectedFrom=fulltext}} which seems striking given the humanitarian cost of this event.

One potential explanation for the significant economic impact of the conflict is the disruption of the two main trade corridors: the road axis from Douala to Bangui and the river axis from Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville up to the port of Bangui,{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bangui |title=Bangui |date=29 March 2025|website= Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318045150/https://www.britannica.com/place/Bangui |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}} especially during the initial years of the war, particularly during the Séléka occupation of the capital city. Another contributing factor could be the direct and indirect destruction of capital stock, resulting from fiscal inability to maintain existing infrastructure, and the long-term impact of the war on technical capacities for both the private sector and the administration.{{cite web |url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/unraveling-the-fragility-trap-in-the-central-african-republic-ci |title=Unraveling the Fragility Trap in the Central African Republic Civil War

|author=Pierre Mandon, and Vincent Nossek |date=2 December 2024 |website= World Bank Let's Talk Development Blog Post |access-date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212010459/https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/unraveling-the-fragility-trap-in-the-central-african-republic-ci |archive-date=12 February 2025 |url-status=live}}

Total fatalities were 2,286 – at least 2,396.{{clarification needed|date=February 2024}}

:March to April — around 130 people killed in Bangui.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}} 78 bodies in Bangui a week after captured by rebels.[http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-94420-78-bodies-found-in-Central-African-capital:-Red-Cross 78 bodies found in Central African capital (The News Pakistan)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330132532/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-94420-78-bodies-found-in-Central-African-capital:-Red-Cross |date=30 March 2013 }}. Thenews.com.pk (29 March 2013). Retrieved 17 April 2013.

:12 June — villagers killed.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

:21 August — killed during the month.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}

:9 September — Bouca violence – 73{{cite news |title=Death Toll Rises in Battles in Central African Republic |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201309101225.html |url-access=subscription |work=allAfrica |agency=NewVision |date=10 September 2013 |access-date=17 July 2023 |archive-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216223401/http://allafrica.com/stories/201309101225.html |url-status=live }}-153{{cite news |last1=Richard |first1=Florence |last2=Larson |first2=Krista |title=Sectarian tensions mount in Central African Republic town of Bouca |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/sectarian-tensions-mount-in-central-african-republic-town-of-bouca-1.1568393 |work=CTVNews |agency=The Associated Press |date=30 November 2013 |quote=It is believed to be the single deadliest day of violence confirmed in the northwest since the conflict began, with 115 Christians and 38 Muslims killed in the fighting, Mudge said. |access-date=17 July 2023 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717111818/https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/sectarian-tensions-mount-in-central-african-republic-town-of-bouca-1.1568393 |url-status=live }} killed.

:6 October — 14 killed.{{cite news |last1=Ngoupana |first1=Paul Marin |title=Fourteen killed in clashes in Central African Republic |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrican-clashes-idUSBRE99508G20131006 |work=Reuters |date=6 October 2013 |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185640/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/06/us-centralafrican-clashes-idUSBRE99508G20131006 |url-status=live }}

:9 October — 30{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/30-killed-in-clashes-in-central-africa-republic/1179967/ |title=30 killed in clashes in Central Africa Republic |work=The Indian Express |date=8 October 2013 |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014170644/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/30-killed-in-clashes-in-central-africa-republic/1179967/ |archive-date=14 October 2013 |url-status=live }}-60{{cite news |last=Marin |first=Paul |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-clashes-idUSBRE9980GH20131009 |title=Around 60 dead in clashes in Central African Republic |work=Reuters |date=9 October 2013 |access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185756/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/09/us-centralafrica-clashes-idUSBRE9980GH20131009 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }} killed in clashes.

:12 October — 6 killed.{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Central-Africa-violence-kills-six-20131012 |title=Central Africa violence kills six |publisher=News24 |date=1 October 2013|access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208172721/http://www.news24.com/africa/news/central-africa-violence-kills-six-20131012 |archive-date=8 December 2014 |url-status=live }}

:December — 600+ killed in "Battle of Bangui", as antibalaka militias unsuccessfully attempt to overthrow Djotodia.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrican-fighting-idUSBRE9BT0F720131230|title=Four killed in Christian-Muslim clashes in Central African Republic's capital|date=30 December 2013|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924192057/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/30/us-centralafrican-fighting-idUSBRE9BT0F720131230|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/More-than-600-killed-in-CAR-this-week-20131213 |title=More than 600 killed in CAR this week |publisher=News24 |date=1 December 2013|access-date=2 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209102116/http://www.news24.com/africa/news/more-than-600-killed-in-car-this-week-20131213 |archive-date=9 December 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/world/africa/violence-in-central-african-republic.html | work=The New York Times | first=Nick | last=Cumming-Bruce | title=Violence in Central African Republic Killed Over 600 in a Week, U.N. Says | date=13 December 2013 | access-date=26 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508163032/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/world/africa/violence-in-central-african-republic.html | archive-date=8 May 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} Two children were beheaded with a total of 16 children killed in Bangui in late December.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25559693|title=CAR conflict: Unicef says children 'beheaded' in Bangui|publisher=BBC|date=31 December 2013|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126010332/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25559693|archive-date=26 November 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/new-car-pm-says-ending-atrocities-priority-2014126124325498176.html|title=New CAR PM says ending atrocities is priority|access-date=22 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205224521/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/new-car-pm-says-ending-atrocities-priority-2014126124325498176.html|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live}}

: 22 January — people were killed after gunmen in Bouar attacked a convoy in an attempt to halt Muslim refugees trying to flee the violence.{{cite news|title=Gunmen attack Muslims fleeing CAR, kill 22, 3 kids|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/gunmen-attack-muslims-fleeing-car-kill-10-3-kids/2014/01/19/5f4575f8-80d2-11e3-97d3-b9925ce2c57b_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119172200/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/gunmen-attack-muslims-fleeing-car-kill-10-3-kids/2014/01/19/5f4575f8-80d2-11e3-97d3-b9925ce2c57b_story.html|archive-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post | url-status=dead}}

:February — 75 people were killed in the town of Boda, in Lobaye province, according to a local priest.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/central-african-republic-conflict-75-people-killed-1435001|title=Central African Republic Conflict: 75 People Killed|work=International Business Times UK|date=4 February 2014|access-date=9 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214232148/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/central-african-republic-conflict-75-people-killed-1435001|archive-date=14 February 2014|url-status=live}} Anti-balaka militants attacked Guen resulting in the deaths of 60 people. As a result, hundreds of Muslim refugees sought shelter at a church in Carnot.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/car-muslims-hide-church-after-slaughter-20142242071619619.html|title=Muslims hide in CAR church after killings|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912173535/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/car-muslims-hide-church-after-slaughter-20142242071619619.html|archive-date=12 September 2014|url-status=live}}

:29 March — Chadian peacekeepers not a part of MISCA entered Bangui's PK12 district market and allegedly indiscriminately opened fire resulting in 30 deaths and over 300 injuries.

:30 March — A Muslim throws a grenade at a group of Christian mourners resulting in 11 deaths.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/03/car-mourners-killed-grenade-attack-201432823215344415.html|title=CAR mourners killed in grenade attack|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331214203/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/03/car-mourners-killed-grenade-attack-201432823215344415.html|archive-date=31 March 2014|url-status=live}}

:May — Séléka rebels kill at least 30 at a Catholic church compound.[https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-rebels-kill-30-central-african-republic-20140528-story.html Rebels kill 30 in church raid in Central African Republic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530045344/http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-rebels-kill-30-central-african-republic-20140528-story.html |date=30 May 2014 }} Associated Press. 28 May 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014

: 23 June — Anti-balaka forces killed 18 at Bambari. Several Séléka then killed 10 anti-balaka.{{cite web|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/17-killed-at-car-church-shielding-thousands-of-christians-122942/|title=17 Killed at CAR Church Shielding Thousands of Christians|work=The Christian Post|date=8 July 2014 |access-date=20 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711194352/http://www.christianpost.com/news/17-killed-at-car-church-shielding-thousands-of-christians-122942/|archive-date=11 July 2014|url-status=live}}

: 8 July — 17 people were killed when Séléka forces attacked a Catholic church in Bambari.

:August — 34 people were reported killed by Séléka fighters around Mbrès.[https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN0GH08120140817 Rebel gunmen kill 34 in Central African Republic: officials] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012032651/https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN0GH08120140817 |date=12 October 2017 }} Reuters. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014

:September — At least 42 people were reported killed.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/27/central-african-republic-violent-sectarian-clashes-erupt-in-bangui|title=Central African Republic: violent sectarian clashes erupt in Bangui|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 August 2015|date=26 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928125850/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/27/central-african-republic-violent-sectarian-clashes-erupt-in-bangui|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=live}}

: 25 October — people were reported killed in Bambari.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37810363|title=Central African Republic: Clashes leave 25 dead – UN|work=BBC News|access-date=29 October 2016|date=29 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030002655/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37810363|archive-date=30 October 2016|url-status=live}}

:Anti-balaka attacked Bangassou, slaughtering dozens of Muslim civilians as well as 12 UN peacekeepers.

:May — 3R massacres more than 50 people in several villages in the northwest.

:February — Members of the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central Africa (FPRC) attacked MINUSCA forces in Birao, leading to 12 FPRC forces being killed.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/car-12-rebels-killed-clash-troops-200219055431824.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |title=CAR says 12 rebels killed in clash with UN troops |date=19 February 2020 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=19 February 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405114552/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/car-12-rebels-killed-clash-troops-200219055431824.html |url-status=live }}

:April — At least 25 people killed in Ndele when the Gula faction of the FPRC attacked the Runga faction.

:December — 3 UN peacekeepers from Burundi were killed in Dekoa{{Cite news|date=26 December 2020|title=UN peacekeepers killed in Central African Republic on eve of election|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55451763|access-date=26 December 2020|archive-date=26 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226111611/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55451763|url-status=live}}

:January — One UN peacekeeper killed when CPC launched an attack on Bangui.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-security/bullets-and-panic-rebels-attack-central-african-republic-capital-idUSKBN29I0ZI|title=Bullets and panic: rebels attack Central African Republic capital|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=14 January 2021|date=13 January 2021|last1=Rolland|first1=Antoine|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113222629/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-security/bullets-and-panic-rebels-attack-central-african-republic-capital-idUSKBN29I0ZI|url-status=live}}

:April — 6 soldiers were killed when CPC militants attacked a military camp at the outskirts of Bakouma{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/six-soldiers-killed-central-african-republic-rebel-attack-2022-04-29/|title=Six soldiers killed in Central African Republic rebel attack|publisher=Reuters|access-date=9 February 2024|date=29 April 2022|archive-date=29 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429132655/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/six-soldiers-killed-central-african-republic-rebel-attack-2022-04-29/|url-status=live}}

:November — 5 civilians were killed when CPC launched an attack on Moyenne Sido.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/central-african-republic-rebels-kill-least-five-civilians-attack-2023-11-02/|title=Central African Republic rebels kill at least five civilians in attack|publisher=Reuters|access-date=9 February 2024|date=2 November 2023|archive-date=7 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107012807/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/central-african-republic-rebels-kill-least-five-civilians-attack-2023-11-02/|url-status=live}}

In May 2014, it was reported that around 600,000 people in CAR were internally displaced with 160,000 of these in the capital Bangui. By May 2014, 100,000 people had fled to neighbouring Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2014/05/drc-war-across-river-car-20145414215622172.html|title=The war across the river|access-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516183135/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2014/05/drc-war-across-river-car-20145414215622172.html|archive-date=16 May 2014|url-status=live}} and Chad. As of 2017, there are more than 1.1 million displaced people in a country of about 5 million people, the highest ever recorded in the country, with about half a million refugees outside CAR and about 600,000 internally displaced.{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=57531#.WhrM_itzJ1s|title=Fresh violence in Central African Republic leads to more displaced|date=15 September 2017|publisher=United Nations|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129210040/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=57531#.WhrM_itzJ1s|archive-date=29 November 2017|url-status=live}} Cameroon hosted the most refugees, more than 135,000, about 90% of whom are Fulani, even though they constituted 6% of CAR's population.{{cite web|url=http://features.hrw.org/features/Unravelling_central_african_republic/index.php|title=HRW the unravelling – Journey through the Central African Republic crisis|publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119100517/http://features.hrw.org/features/Unravelling_central_african_republic/index.php|archive-date=19 January 2017|url-status=live}}

In December 2020, after a contested election rebels -known as the Coalition of Patriots for Change or the CPC have seized main roadways and prevented the flow of goods into Bouar. These and other similar efforts have caused an estimated 100,000 to leave their homes.{{cite news |last1=Surprenant |first1=Adrienne |title=In Central African Republic, disputed polls spark a rebel offensive |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2021/01/18/central-african-republic-elections-rebellion-refugees |access-date=19 January 2021 |publisher=The New Humanitarian |date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=18 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118165027/https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2021/01/18/central-african-republic-elections-rebellion-refugees |url-status=live }} A month later, January 2021, the number had doubled to 200,000, including 92,000 refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 13,000 in Chad, the Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon.{{cite news |title=Central African Republic's capital in 'apocalyptic situation' as rebels close in |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55872485 |work=BBC News |date=30 January 2021 |access-date=31 January 2021 |archive-date=31 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131102847/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55872485 |url-status=live }}

File:A Rwandan soldier, left, exits a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft near a refugee camp full of displaced residents at Bangui M'Poko International Airport in the Central African Republic Jan. 19, 2014 140119-F-RN211-620.jpg

• African Union – Yayi Boni, then-chairman of the African Union, held a press conference in Bangui, stating, "I beg my rebellious brothers, I ask them to cease hostilities, to make peace with President Bozizé and the Central African people ... If you stop fighting, you are helping to consolidate peace in Africa. African people do not deserve all this suffering. The African continent needs peace and not war."{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/french-troops-central-african-republic-18094338#.UOD-7W-1XDQ|title=African Union Head Visits Central African Republic|last=Marboua|first=Hippolyte|date=30 December 2012|work=ABC News|access-date=31 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231054159/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/french-troops-central-african-republic-18094338#.UOD-7W-1XDQ|archive-date=31 December 2012|url-status=live}} Boni went on to call for dialogue between the current government and the rebels. The African Union suspended the Central African Republic from its membership on 25 March 2013.{{cite news|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=25 March 2013|title=African Union suspends Central African Republic after coup|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|location=Johannesburg|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-central-african-republic-20130326,0,4175896.story|url-status=live|access-date=26 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326065116/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-central-african-republic-20130326,0,4175896.story|archive-date=26 March 2013}}
• {{flagu|European Union}} – On 21 December 2012 the High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton called on the armed rebel groups to "cease all hostilities and to respect the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement." European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Kristalina Georgieva added that she was deeply worried over the situation in the country and that she strongly urged "all armed groups to respect international humanitarian law and the activities of humanitarians".{{cite web |first=Karafillis |last=Giannoulis |url=http://www.neurope.eu/article/central-africa-eu-worries-new-outbreak |title=Central Africa: EU worries on the new outbreak |work=New Europe |date=24 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226064920/http://www.neurope.eu/article/central-africa-eu-worries-new-outbreak |archive-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=dead }} On 1 January Ashton once again expressed concern over the violence and urged all parties involved to "take all necessary measures to end, without delay, all exactions against populations in Bangui neighbourhoods that undermine chances of a peaceful dialogue."[http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130101/178532335.html "EU Urges Talks in Central African Republic"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107165233/http://en.ria.ru/russia/20130101/178532335.html |date=7 January 2013 }}. RIA Novosti
• On 10 February 2014, the European Union established a military operation entitled EUFOR RCA, with the aim "to provide temporary support in achieving a safe and secure environment in the Bangui area, with a view to handing over to African partners." The French Major General Philippe Pontiès was appointed as a commander of this force.{{cite web|title=EUFOR RCA|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eufor-rca/index_en.htm|work=European Union External Action|publisher=European Union|access-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227091356/http://eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eufor-rca/index_en.htm|archive-date=27 February 2014|url-status=live}}
• {{flagu|United Nations}} – On 26 December 2012 the U.N. announced it was pulling all non-essential personnel out of the country due to the worsening security situation. In a statement, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the rebels' advance and warned that it had the potential to "gravely undermine the peace agreements in place." He also called on the government "to ensure the safety and security of U.N. personnel and its premises." On 31 January 2020, the United Nations Security Council approved an extension of an arms embargo against the Central African Republic until 31 July 2020.[https://news.yahoo.com/russia-obtains-ease-c-africa-arms-embargo-un-221056411.html Russia obtains ease on C.Africa arms embargo at UN Security Council] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131221327/https://news.yahoo.com/russia-obtains-ease-c-africa-arms-embargo-un-221056411.html |date=31 January 2020 }} by Philippe RATER, AFP, 31 January 2020

;Regional

• {{flagu|Gabon}}/{{flagu|Chad}}/{{flagu|Cameroon}}/{{flagu|Congo}}/{{flagu|Equatorial Guinea}} sent troops in 2013 to make up an African Union Multinational Force for Central Africa (FOMAC) peacekeeping force in CAR.{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jnBB0Nr15M0tkcQhCdGqOz_2Gm0A?docId=03d1b0ef-be92-4072-aa5b-defa655ef9b0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227190503/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jnBB0Nr15M0tkcQhCdGqOz_2Gm0A?docId=03d1b0ef-be92-4072-aa5b-defa655ef9b0|url-status=dead|title=google.com/hostednews|archive-date=27 February 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/car-key-players-201312511404944998.html|title=CAR key players|access-date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205172207/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/12/car-key-players-201312511404944998.html|archive-date=5 December 2013|url-status=live}}

;Others

• {{flagu|Brazil}} – On 25 December 2012, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil issued a statement "urging the parties to observe an immediate cessation of hostilities and any acts of violence against the civilian population" and called for "the restoration of institutional legality in the Central African Republic". The Brazilian government stated that it had been in contact with the small number of Brazilian nationals residing in the country.{{cite web|url=http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/situacao-na-republica-centro-africana|title=Ministério das Relações Exteriores|access-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209073427/http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/sala-de-imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/situacao-na-republica-centro-africana|archive-date=9 February 2014|url-status=dead}}
• {{flagu|Estonia}} – On 9 May 2014, sent 55 troops to join the EU's EUFOR RCA mission.(9 May 2014) [http://news.err.ee/v/politics/0562c273-50ad-4370-9370-4508c395b09b Estonian Troops Leave for Central African Republic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140511090539/http://news.err.ee/v/politics/0562c273-50ad-4370-9370-4508c395b09b |date=11 May 2014 }} news.err.ee (Estonian Public Broadcasting). Retrieved 10 May 2014
• {{flagu|Georgia}} – 140 troops joined EU's military mission in the Central African Republic.{{cite web|url=http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27322|title=Civil.Ge – Georgian Troops Heading to EU Mission in Central African Republic|access-date=7 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701132934/http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=27322|archive-date=1 July 2014|url-status=live}}
• {{flagu|France}} – On 27 December 2012, CAR President Francois Bozizé requested international assistance to help with the rebellion, in particular from France and the United States. French President François Hollande rejected the plea, saying that the 250 French troops stationed at Bangui M'Poko International Airport are there "in no way to intervene in the internal affairs". Separately, a Foreign Ministry statement condemned "the continued hostility by the rebel groups", adding that the only solution to the crisis was dialogue.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Dec-28/200123-car-leader-appeals-for-help-to-halt-rebel-advance.ashx|title=CAR leader appeals for help to halt rebel advance|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228055645/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Dec-28/200123-car-leader-appeals-for-help-to-halt-rebel-advance.ashx#axzz2GInl7HTD|archive-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live}}
• {{flagu|South Africa}} – South Africa had numerous troops in the CAR since 2007. A Special Forces unit protected President Bozizé under Operation Morero and a second group trained FACA under Operation Vimbezela.{{cite web|last=RSA |title=Training and Support provided by the South African Army (SANDF) to the Army of the Central African Republic (CAR) |work=International Relations and Cooperation |access-date=28 March 2013 |date=1 March 2011 |url=http://www.dfa.gov.za/docs/2011pq/pq78.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330142742/http://www.dfa.gov.za/docs/2011pq/pq78.html |archive-date=30 March 2013 |url-status=dead }} Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula traveled to Bangui on 31 December 2012 to assess the situation.{{cite news | last = Peter Fabricius | title = Shadow over foreign policy planning – IOL News | work = Independent Online | location = South Africa | access-date = 28 March 2013 | date = 4 January 2013 | url = http://www.iol.co.za/news/shadow-over-foreign-policy-planning-1.1447861 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130106180825/http://www.iol.co.za/news/shadow-over-foreign-policy-planning-1.1447861 | archive-date = 6 January 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} On 8 January 2013 the South African National Defence Force deployed 200 additional troops to the CAR, half of the force authorized by President Jacob Zuma.{{cite news | last = IRIN | title = South Africa bolsters its troops in the Central African Republic | agency = IRIN | location = Johannesburg | access-date = 28 March 2013 | date = 8 January 2013 |url=http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=97194}} On 21 March President Bozizé traveled to Pretoria to meet with Zuma,{{cite news|last=AFP |title=Afrique du Sud: le président centrafricain Bozizé reçu par Zuma |agency=Agence France-Presse |location=Pretoria |access-date=31 March 2013 |date=22 March 2013 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gmGngIwQX3YyA1ZGb-Wq6lNC8pAQ?docId=CNG.a001582fa2ac6c6e42cdc154447481db.c81 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411021000/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gmGngIwQX3YyA1ZGb-Wq6lNC8pAQ?docId=CNG.a001582fa2ac6c6e42cdc154447481db.c81 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2013 }} allegedly to discuss the 72-hour ultimatum that the rebels had given him.

{{cite news

| last = Underhill

| first = Glynnis

| author2 = Mmanaledi Mataboge

| title = CAR: Timely warnings were ignored

| work = Mail and Guardian

| access-date = 31 March 2013

| date = 28 March 2013

| url = http://mg.co.za/article/2013-03-28-00-car-timely-warnings-were-ignored/

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130331024150/http://mg.co.za/article/2013-03-28-00-car-timely-warnings-were-ignored

| archive-date = 31 March 2013

| url-status = live

| df = dmy-all

}}

The South African troops from the 1 Parachute Battalion suffered 13 killed and 27 wounded

{{cite news | last = Tochia | first = Christopher | title = Hard questions for South Africa over CAR battle | agency = Associated Press | location = Johannesburg | access-date = 28 March 2013 | date = 27 March 2013 | url = http://hosted2.ap.org/OHCAN/CREPnewswire/Article_2013-03-27-South%20Africa-Central%20African%20Republic/id-4c9a45da48814017a637f223acd191b2 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131212185418/http://hosted2.ap.org/OHCAN/CREPnewswire/Article_2013-03-27-South%20Africa-Central%20African%20Republic/id-4c9a45da48814017a637f223acd191b2 | archive-date = 12 December 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

while defending against the advancing Séléka. On 24 March 2013 SANDF soldiers began withdrawing to Entebbe air base, with the reported intention to return to the CAR to retake control from Séléka.{{cite news | last = Biryabarema | first = Elias | title = South Africa troops in Uganda for Central Africa mission | work = Reuters | location = Kampala | access-date = 28 March 2013 | date = 28 March 2013 | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92R0F420130328 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130330082751/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/28/us-centralafrica-rebels-idUSBRE92R0F420130328/ | archive-date = 30 March 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

• {{flagu|United States of America}} – On 17 December 2012 the State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Council published an emergency message warning US citizens about armed groups active in Mbrès and advising them to avoid travel outside Bangui. US Embassy personnel were prohibited from traveling by road outside the capital.{{cite web | last = Bureau of Diplomatic Security | title = Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Bangui (Central African Republic), Armed Group Movement | work = Overseas Security Advisory Council | access-date = 31 March 2013 | url = https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=13360 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029064126/https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=13360 | archive-date = 29 October 2014 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} On 24 December the State Department issued another warning. All non-essential personnel were evacuated, and the embassy switched to limited emergency consular services.{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5750.html |title=Travel Warning: Central African Republic |publisher=United States Department of State |date=24 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229105713/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5750.html |archive-date=29 December 2012 }} On 28 December, the United States Embassy in Bangui suspended operations due to the ongoing rebel attacks;{{cite news |last=Karikari-Apau |first=Nana |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/27/world/africa/central-african-republic-unrest/index.html |title=Central African Republic president seeks help against rebels |publisher=CNN |date=27 December 2012 |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228214849/http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/27/world/africa/central-african-republic-unrest/index.html |archive-date=28 December 2012 |url-status=live }} with Ambassador Laurence D. Wohlers and his diplomatic staff evacuating the country.{{cite news |title=AFRICOM helps with C. African Republic evacs |author2=Matthew Lee |author=Lolita C. Baldor |url=http://www.armytimes.com/mobile/news/2012/12/ap-america-out-central-african-republic-122712 |newspaper=Army Times |agency=Associated Press |date=27 December 2012 |access-date=29 December 2012}}
• {{flagu|Serbia}} – In accordance with Security Council's Resolution 2149, Government of Serbia approved engagement of Serbian Armed Forces. On 20 September 2014 two military observers and two staff officers are deployed. Later, on 11 December 2014, 68 more personnel have been deployed in this mission. On 15 December 2016, Serbia deployed team for emergency medical assistance and level 1 medical team, as part of the EUTM RCA (European Union Training Mission).{{cite web|url=http://www.mnop.mod.gov.rs/sadrzaj.php?id_sadrzaja=93&active=text|title=Official portal of the multinational operations of the Serbian Armed Forces|date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907222513/http://www.mnop.mod.gov.rs/sadrzaj.php?id_sadrzaja=93&active=text|archive-date=7 September 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mnop.mod.gov.rs/sadrzaj.php?id_sadrzaja=199&active=text|title=EUTM RCA- Serbian Armed Forces|date=15 December 2016|website=Official Portal of multinational missions|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728115156/http://www.mnop.mod.gov.rs/sadrzaj.php?id_sadrzaja=199&active=text|archive-date=28 July 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=30 June 2017}}

{{portal|Central African Republic|Current events}}

• List of conflicts in Africa
• Cahier Africain, a documentary which provides one viewpoint on the conflict

{{Clear}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/central-african-republic/search-state-central-african-republic In Search of the State in the Central African Republic]

• [http://www.centrafrique.com/ Centrafrique.com]
• [http://peacemaker.un.org/node/1958 Full text of the Ceasefire Agreement signed 11 January 2013, UN Peacemaker]
• [http://peacemaker.un.org/node/1959 Full text of the Declaration of Principles signed 11 January 2013 UN Peacemaker]
• [http://peacemaker.un.org/node/1959 Full text of the Political Agreement on the resolution of the political and security crisis in CAR signed 11 January 2013, UN Peacemaker]
• [http://peacemaker.un.org/document-search?keys=&field_padate_value%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_pacountry_tid=Central+African+Republic All peace agreements for Central African Republic, UN Peacemaker]
• [http://www.fao.org/emergencies/crisis/car/en/ Response to the crisis in Central African Republic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306080140/http://www.fao.org/emergencies/crisis/car/en/ |date=6 March 2021 }} via FAO in emergencies

{{Central African Republic topics}}

{{Post-Cold War African conflicts}}

{{Ongoing military conflicts}}

{{Humanitarian Aid|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Central African Republic conflict (2012-14)}}

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