Anti-balaka

Anti-balaka
Leaders Bernard Bonda (Mokom branch)
Igor Lamaka (Ngaïssona branch)
Maxime Mokom Surrendered
Dieudonné Ndomaté Surrendered
Levy Yakete 
Patrice Edouard Ngaissona Surrendered
See full list
Dates of operation2013–present
HeadquartersBossangoa[1] (until 2021)
N'Djamena, Chad (since 2021)[2]
Active regionsCentral African Republic
Part ofCoalition of Patriots for Change (since 2020)
OpponentsSéléka and splinter groups (until 2020)
Battles and warsCentral African Republic Civil War (2012–present)

The Anti-balaka is an alliance of militia groups based in the Central African Republic in the early 21st century said to be composed primarily of Christians.[3] However, some church leaders have contested the claimed exclusively Christian character of such groups.[4] The Tony Blair Faith Foundation and journalist Andrew Katz have noted that animists also participate in Anti-balaka groups.[5][6]

This militia formed in the Central African Republic after the rise to power of Michel Djotodia in 2013.[7] Amnesty International reported in 2015 that some members of anti-balaka groups have forcibly converted Muslims to Christianity.[8] Anti-balaka groups have also kidnapped, burnt, and immured women accused of being witches in public ceremonies.[9]

  1. ^ "How to prevent a return to violence in the Central African Republic". October 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-11-24. Retrieved 2020-12-18.
  2. ^ François Bozizé et d'autres chefs rebelles centrafricains se trouvent à Ndjamena Archived 2021-11-16 at the Wayback Machine, 7 November 2021
  3. ^ "Christian militias take bloody revenge on Muslims in Central African Republic". Guardian. 10 March 2014. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  4. ^ "There are no Christian militias killing Muslims in the Central African Republic". Aid to the Church in Need. Archived from the original on 7 May 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  5. ^ Emily Mellgard. "What is the Antibalaka?". tonyblairfaithfoundation. Archived from the original on 27 September 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  6. ^ Andrew Katz (May 29, 2014). "'A Question of Humanity': Witness to the Turning Point In Central African Republic". Time. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  7. ^ C.Africa militia is an enemy of peace: French commander Archived 2016-03-14 at the Wayback Machine, apa.az, recovered 14 March 2014
  8. ^ Central African Republic: Unprotected Muslims forced to abandon religion Archived 2018-07-24 at the Wayback Machine, Amnesty International UK (July 31, 2015).
  9. ^ Esslemont, Tom. "Witch burning rebels stoke Central African Republic violence". U.S. Archived from the original on 2019-02-04. Retrieved 2018-04-11.

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