Monograph 129: Armed Conflict and Disarmament. Selected Central African Case Studies, Nelson Alusala

The proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) continues to undermine development, the safety and security of individuals and states, as well as good governance in Africa. This is acutely apparent in Central Africa, where, since the advent of colonialism, citizens have been suffered varying degrees of armed conflict. This is has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, displacement and the loss of property.

According to the 2005 Human Development Report: “Insecurity linked to armed conflict remains one of the greatest obstacles to human development. It is both a cause and consequence of mass poverty.”1 The majority of countries in the Central African sub-region experience low rates of human development, with human development being defined as an individual’s opportunity to live a long and healthy life, receive an education, and enjoy a decent standard of living.2

This monograph considers the nature and extent of armed conflict, the misuse and proliferation of small arms, as well as disarmament processes (or the lack thereof) in three Central African states: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad. These three countries are amongst the seven lowest in terms of human development (out of 177 countries)3, and all have experienced frequent episodes of armed conflict since being granted independence.

The central objectives of this publication are to provide an objective analysis of the dynamics of armed conflict, small arms proliferation and misuse, and disarmament in the DRC, CAR and Chad. The aim is to educate policy-makers, donor organisations and the SALW research community on the complexities of these related issues in Central Africa.

The CAR chapter provides an historical overview of political and economic struggle, armed violence (especially military coups) and weapons-related concerns in this former French colony. The CAR authorities have had difficulties in effectively monitoring and controlling the ports of entry and the porous borders of this landlocked state, and consequently, SALW have flowed into and out of CAR and into conflict zones by circumventing United Nations Security Council arms embargoes. However, it is important to note that the CAR government has recently had some success in disarming former combatants as part of a larger demilitarisation process. However, President Bozize continues to face fresh threats of armed resistance. A simmering conflict threatened to degenerate into a fresh complex web of violence when rebels captured the strategic town of Birao in the north-eastern part of the country in October 2006. Recent rebel activities in CAR) and Chad have therefore called international attention to political crises within both countries, as well as to the relationships between these countries and Sudan. While two rebel groups namely, the Union des Forces Démocratiques pour le Rassemblement (UFDR) in the northeast, and l’Armée Populaire pour la Réstauration de la République et la Démocratie (APRD) in the northwest remain quite active in CAR, in the neighbouring Chad, a number of rebel groups continue to challenge President Idriss Deby’s authority, particularly in the eastern part of the country where the Rassemblement des Forces Démocratiques (RAFD); the Front Uni pour le Changement (FUC) and the Union des Forces pour la Démocratie et le Dévéloppement (UFDD) remain active.

The Chad chapter therefore tries to link the political and economic fortunes and misfortunes of this predominantly arid country with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The chapter does this by tracing briefly the historical background of Chad since obtaining its independence from France in 1960. Chad’s past depicts that the country has been characterised by a distinct lack of good governance, and has been plagued by authoritarian leadership. There is a high degree of gun ownership among the civilian population, and a unique gun culture has emerged. The easy availability of SALW in Chad has enabled opposition groups to recently launch a series of armed assaults on urban areas, including N’Djamena, the capital city.

The research in all three countries reveals the need for urgent intervention if the cycle of conflict and proliferation of arms is to be controlled, and development allowed to take place. Based on this, the list of recommendations is not exhaustive. However, it is important that the international community, in conjunction with key African governments and the African Union (AU) pressurize armed non-state actors operating in Central Africa, as well as the relevant arms suppliers to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian and human rights law at all times.

By the same measure, responsible and effective management of government small arms and light weapons stocks/armouries is essential to prevent the transfer of government-held arms to undesirable armed groups. This will require improved and relevant training, as well as appropriate resources.

There is a significant need for the enactment of national legislation governing gun ownership, arms trade and arms trafficking, in countries where these do not exist; as well as their strict implementation. The monitoring and control of goods at ports of entry should be more effectively pursued. These countries lack basic security screening facilities at their ports of entry.

Arms embargoes should be strictly enforced and monitored by the United Nations and the African Union in countries that been accused of violating arms embargoes. Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (of former combatants) should be designed and implemented in conformity with similar programmes in the sub-region, as well as taking into account the specific contextual conditions and challenges.

Civil society is a crucial partner in efforts to reduce the scourge of SALW, and can complement government efforts by promoting peace through a variety of initiatives.

Notes