Central African Republic (CAR) gained independence from French rule in 1960. After decades of neglect, mostly by military governments, civilian rule was established in 1993, but after only a decade a military coup destabilized the country again.
The current conflict began in December, 2012, when predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels accused then-president François Bozizé of failing to uphold peace agreements signed in 2007 and 2011.
The Seleka are a coalition of rebel groups that get their name from the Sango word for “union.”
Anti-Balaka means “anti-machete,” or “anti-sword,” and refers to a coalition of Christian militias.
Muslims comprise only 15 percent of the population but are heavily involved in the business sector of the Central African Republic economy.
The current anti-Muslim violence began as reprisal for looting and raiding by Seleka forces when they took control of the government in March, 2013.
In January, 2014, the Seleka-affiliated President Djotodia resigned and was replaced by Catherine Samba-Panza, who is not affiliated with either Seleka or Anti-Balaka, but the interreligious fighting has intensified.
More than 900,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in CAR.
At the end of February, 2014, the United Nations requested an additional 3,000 troops to join 8,000 international peacekeepers already in Central African Republic.
Zakat Foundation of America is following the refugee situation closely and is ready to help whenever and wherever staff can safely deliver aid.