ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY TO THE CRISIS IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT AFRICAN PEACEKEEPING FORCE

Abstract

In 2013, following the coup led by the Séléka, which are Muslim rebel groups, Christian militias also known as anti-Balaka decided to retaliate. This violent dispute deteriorated the already poor conditions in the Central African Republic (CAR). Although the United Nations (UN) established a multidimensional peacekeeping mission in the CAR, MINUSCA has not been effective to contain the conflict and prevent a humanitarian crisis. Thus, this paper examines a new concept for structuring peacekeeping forces in Africa, particularly in the Central African Republic, which is the establishment of a permanent African peacekeeping force. Following a bibliographic research and an interview with a Brazilian military observer, who was deployed in the CAR, it was possible to verify that the national military contingents that integrate MINUSCA face serious problems such as low level of troop training, delayed salaries, partiality, and even violation of human rights of the civilian population, undermining the UN credibility in the country. In order to improve the effectiveness of the military force in CAR, a permanent African peacekeeping force, as a branch of the African Union (AU) and under the control of MINUSCA, seems to be more likely to succeed, since this troop would be more impartial, better paid, and specifically trained for peace operations.