The Most Challenging and Rewarding Year in the History of the Central African Republic

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Statue of Barthélemy Boganda, a leading politician of what is now the Central African Republic, in front of the National Assembly in Bangui
9 December 2021
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On December 1 the Central African Republic celebrated the Day of the Republic – the most important national celebration after the Independence Day. On 1 December in 1958, thanks to the enormous work done by the founding father of the Republic Barthélémy Boganda, the country left its colonial name Ubangi-Shari in the past and was renamed the Central African Republic. It was the symbolic step towards independency that was granted to the Republic two years later in 1960.

Last year was marked by unforgettable celebrations: grandiose parade in the streets of the capital and in minor cities across the town showed a great improvement in reformed and strengthened defense and security forces. A festive performance in the biggest stadium of the country that brought artist from all over the Central African Republic and international performers from other countries like Rwanda and Russia, culminated by spectacular fireworks became a symbol of hope and cultural cohesion.

The country was about to held legislative and presidential elections – an important event for a country that had been ravished by a series of armed conflicts, that stopped democratic institutes from developing. However, despite the commitment of the government and their international partners to the electoral process, holding the elections was not as easy as everyone would want.

Just a week before the opening of polling station, in mid-December 2021, violence erupted in the Central African Republic, when the armed group alliance known as the Patriots for Change Coalition (CPC), led by former President Francois Bozizé, launched an attack against government forces and the civilian population.

The groups targeted vital transport hubs and major cities, and even made an attempt to enter the capital of the country, Bangui. But they failed. The defense and security forces, supported by the partners of the Republic, proved that they are not only good at parades, but they are well-prepared to give a response to the disturbers of peace who threaten the civilian population.

The reformed army, trained by the Russian instructors, who work in the country in the framework of bilateral agreements between the CAR and Russia, managed not only to repel the armed coalition attacks, but launched a highly productive counteroffensive that made it possible to liberate the territories that used to under armed groups control for years.

The stabilization of the security situation in the country created a fertile ground for further socio-economic development. The government, together with the civil society and its international partners committed to improving different spheres of the social lives, starting with rebuilding infrastructure, fight against corruption and budget revenue increase.

The deep-analysis inspection and reorganization of national customs office paired with stiff approach to corruption let the government triple the revenue from exported and imported goods. The stabilization of security situation in certain regions led to the return of these areas to Kimberley Process, as the first shipments of diamonds from the Central African Republic were examined, inspected and approved by a corresponding authority.

The revenues to the budget give the country the opportunity to work further on the development of social sphere, building better road, creating new schools and improving healthcare system. The last year in the history of the Central African Republic seemed the worst at the beginning, with thousands forcibly displaced and hundreds wounded and dead. But thanks to the bravery of the defense forces and support of the friends the situation has changed for the better.

This year parade was no less spectacular than last year: impressive military defile of all the units of the defense and security forces, including a demonstration of assault-landing operation and colorful smoke fireworks. The first Central African developed social network Turaco was presented during the celebrations in the capital of the country.

This year, on the Day of the Proclamation of the Republic, with the blessing of Barthélémy Boganda, the hearts of Central Africans are filled with hope and gratitude again.

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