Central African Republic.

• Author: Talwar, Namrita
• Position: 10 Stories the World Should Hear More About

The Central African Republic, gifted with virgin rainforests and rich in gold, diamonds and uranium, now faces the danger of losing its luster. Since gaining its independence from France in 1960, it has metamorphosed into one of the most tumultuous nations in Africa as a result of political instability and a collapsing health service.

General Francois Bozize led an army of insurgents last year that took the capital, Bangui, toppling elected President Ange-Felix Patasse in March 2003. Today, transitional institutions have been established and elections are envisioned for January 2005. Still, serious financial difficulties confront Central African Republic, where important progress has been made towards restoring constitutional order. Peace risks being compromised or even overturned. International support is critical to stabilizing the situation.

However, in the political struggle for power that ensued a mix of foreign-armed militias and regular forces have created mayhem in areas outside the city, according to a report by Ramiro Lopes da Silva, Special Envoy of the United Nations to the Central African Republic. This has prompted tens of thousands of refugees to flee into neighbouring Chad. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) registered some 42,000 Central African refugees in Chad during the period 2002-2003. The report also states that the present political detente is having a limited impact on the day-to-day lives of Central Africans, particularly those living in rural areas. This is a consequence of the extremely slow return of State administration and services, but particularly as a direct consequence of increasing activity by growing numbers of armed bandits.

The Central African Republic is among the world's 174 poorest countries, with 95 per cent of its population living on less than $2 a day. The problem is compounded by the lack of monetary support needed to stabilize the transition and enable economic development in the country. So far, the United Nations has...