
Will Russia’s Ukraine Invasion Impact the Central African Republic?
Wagner Group mercenaries have transformed the conflict, but the country is still far from a workable peace deal.

Putin Resorts to Syrian Mercenaries in Ukraine. It’s Not the First Time.
The Kremlin has been recruiting thousands of hardened Syrian fighters to join its war in Ukraine.

In Central Africa, Russia Won the War—but It’s Losing the Peace
Putin’s pursuit of influence, arms sales, and mercenary meddling in the Central African Republic has left Moscow mired in a quagmire.

Russia’s Wagner Group Doesn’t Actually Exist
And that makes it all the more challenging to get to grips with.

It’s the Roads, Stupid
Armed checkpoints along key trade routes—not natural resources—are the key to financing rebel groups and insurgencies around the world.

Only Central Africans Can Save the Central African Republic
The international community can help rebuild the army and institutions, but its presence cannot be permanent.

Why Did the Central African Republic Declare a State of Emergency?
The country’s postelection violence threatens a humanitarian catastrophe—and a continued standoff between Russia and France for influence in Central Africa.

Outside Powers Are Making the Conflict in the Central African Republic Worse
Proxy wars pitting France and Chad against Russia and Rwanda threaten to destabilize the entire region while subjecting Central Africans to more violence and instability.

Child Soldiers Are Helping End a Forever War
Children are at the center of the Central African Republic’s efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic—and to break the country’s cycles of violence.

Central Africa’s Rangers Are as Threatened as the Animals They Guard
Park staff struggle to protect the animals—and themselves—against poachers and militias.

Cameroon’s Paul Biya Gives a Master Class in Fake Democracy
One of the world’s most experienced autocrats has clinched another seven-year term by bending the rules of the game in his direction in ways both old and new.

Peace Is the Best Investment
U.N. member states must renew their commitment to the vital peacekeeping operations that end wars, protect civilians, and save lives.

The U.N. Can’t Bring Peace to the Central African Republic
But it can help solve local conflicts. Here’s how.

Kony 2017: From Guerrilla Marketing to Guerrilla Warfare
Five years after its viral video broke the internet, Invisible Children is on the front line of a covert war against the Lord’s Resistance Army.

French Peacekeepers Pull Out as New Violence Erupts in the Central African Republic
France just ended its mission in the CAR, leaving the country with scandal-plagued U.N. peacekeepers.

The U.S. Slaps Joseph Kony’s Kids With New Financial Sanctions
The infamous LRA warlord and his sons still have not been caught.

The U.N. Official Who Blew the Lid off Central African Republic Sex Scandal Vindicated
Anders Kompass was cleared of charges that he improperly gave the French a confidential paper documenting sexual abuse in the Central African Republic.

Pope Francis Heads to Central African Republic Amid Security Fears
The U.N. is mobilizing 3,000 peacekeepers to protect Pope Francis. Can his message of reconciliation help heal the war-torn nation?

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The best stories from around the world.

‘One Day, We Will Start a Big War’
Warlords are running roughshod over the U.N. in the Central African Republic. Now the country is rushing into elections that could accelerate the killing.