The
Central African Republic is on the verge of being torn apart by the
rampages of Christian and Muslim militias and civilian mobs. Since
French and African Union troops arrived there in December with a United
Nations-sanctioned mission to prevent mass murder, the situation has
degenerated alarmingly. The United Nations estimates that 2.5 million
people, more than half the population of the country, need help, but
sectarian killings are making it impossible to reach them.
On
Saturday, France pledged to add 400 troops to its force of 1,600 that
is now working with about 5,500 African Union peacekeepers. These troops
are overwhelmed by the scale of the violence. Disturbingly, some
Chadian forces among the African Union peacekeepers are colluding with
Muslim fighters, which include mercenaries from Chad and Sudan, who prey
on Christian civilians.
In
Bangui, the Muslim population has largely fled. Christian militias have
taken advantage of the chaos to engage in horrific ethnic cleansing of
Muslims. The United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, warned last
week that genocide and the partition of the country are real risks.
Catherine Samba-Panza, who became interim president of the republic on
Jan. 20, has vowed to keep the country whole. Over the weekend, some
Christian militias showed interest in beginning to talk about security.
The
European Union has pledged 500 troops to help establish a safe haven in
Bangui. The United Nations has released an additional $10 million from
its emergency humanitarian fund. These efforts are hardly enough.
Donor
countries pledged $207 million in humanitarian aid at a meeting last
month, though only 28 percent of the money has been committed or
disbursed. The United Nations’ $551 million strategic response plan is
only 13 percent funded. Donors need to fulfill their pledges
immediately. Rogue members of the peacekeeping forces must be held
accountable. The International Criminal Court has opened a preliminary
investigation into war crimes. Far more international peacekeepers must
be deployed quickly to avert a catastrophe and to let President
Samba-Panza prepare for elections by next February.
Without
urgent action, the Central African Republic’s descent into chaos will
soon be unstoppable. The lives of millions of people are at risk.
Source. The New York Times
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