The nation was plunged into turmoil in 2013 when Muslim rebels seized power in the majority-Christian country. Years of violence have followed, killing thousands and resulting in the effective partition of the country.
Seleka rebels
Fatal attacks and resulting death toll
ANTI-BALAKA
Fatal attacks by Anti-Balaka militia and resulting death toll
ANTI-BALAKA
Fatal attacks and resulting death toll
CIVILIANS
Fatal attacks by rioters and protesters
CIVILIANS
Fatal attacks by rioters and protesters
other armed groups
other armed groups
Note: Data through October 31, 2015.
Sources: Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED); UNHCR; Human Rights Watch; International Crisis Group; Reuters
By Simon Scarr | REUTERS GRAPHICS
Seleka rebels
After French peacekeeping forces pushed Seleka out of Bangui, groups continued to assert influence in the eastern and northern parts of the country, but attacks against civilians are now rare.
ANTI-BALAKA
Anti-Balaka factions dominate the west. The Seleka withdrawal from western areas, including Bangui, left Muslims vulnerable to the anti-balaka. Thousands of Muslims have fled to Cameroon or other areas of the country.
OTHER GROUPS
Threats continue from other armed groups, such as the Lord’s Resistance Army in the east, Revolution et Justice in the north and the Front democratique du Peuple Centrafricain in the west.
Refugees
UN officials and peacekeeping forces supported mass evacuations in late 2013, helping thousands of Muslims seek safety, mostly in Cameroon.
Internally displaced people
Since December 2013, approximately 25 per cent of the country's population have been internally displaced by the conflict.
Sources: Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED); UNHCR; Human Rights Watch; International Crisis Group; Reuters
By Simon Scarr | REUTERS GRAPHICS
Violence in Bangui
The M’poko IDP camp was established when tens of thousands fled to the airport during violence that swept the city in 2013. Since renewed sectarian violence began in September, the camp has largely been controlled by anti-balaka militia and has become increasingly violent. Many aid agencies no longer visit the camp.
Recent violence has centred around the city’s main Muslim enclave of Kilometre 5. Many of the recent killings are reported to have been by members of Muslim self-defense groups attacking Christians in revenge. Armed groups from both communities also looted and destroyed property.
Sources: UNITAR/UNOSAT; Human Rights Watch; UNHCR
By Simon Scarr | REUTERS GRAPHICS