Central African Republic (MNN) — As defined here, a “failed state” is a government that cannot perform the two primary functions of government: “it cannot project authority over its territory and peoples, and it cannot protect its national boundaries.” Recent developments in the Central African Republic push it closer to a failed state status.
The latest fighting flared following the December elections, forcing over 200,000 people to flee. United Nations officials call for more security forces and humanitarian aid as the Central African Republic reaches a critical tipping point.
“When [you depend] on one supply line and these rebel groups are cutting it off, and your only protection is the presence of the UN, that’s not a very good spot to be,” World Mission’s Greg Kelley says.
“Out of 189 countries [rated by] the UN Human Development Index, CAR is rated at 188. It’s on route to becoming a failed state.”
An ominous future
Women lining up to receive food aid from World Mission partners.
(Photo courtesy World Mission)
Landlocked in Africa’s geographic “heart,” weak government control leaves the Central African Republic vulnerable to exploitation. “Over 80-percent of the country is outside of the control of the government, and there is an utter dependency upon the UN for any sense of stability,” Kelley explains.
Recognizing opportunity and eager to tap into abundant natural resources, “northern countries who have a very Islamic agenda” are trying to take control of the CAR, he continues.
“They’re trying to capitalize on the vulnerabilities from a government standpoint. All these rebel groups are heavily motivated by Islamic agendas, and they’re causing chaos.”
Working alongside local believers, World Mission distributes humanitarian aid and God’s Word in audio to displaced people in hostile regions. Learn more here. As instability drives food prices sky-high, it leaves World Mission’s partners without a next meal.
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“It’s a survival issue; we’re at that point right now. If we don’t respond, people are going to be dying,” Kelley says.
Header image ©Pierre Holtz | UNICEF via Flickr.
