English - Peace and Democracy in the Central African Republic: Civil Society Perspectives

Watch in French

In December 2020, the Central African Republic’s (CAR) fragile peace agreement came under threat from a new configuration of armed groups that emerged shortly before President Touadera’s contested re-election. This re-inflamed CAR’s nearly decade-long conflict, threatening major cities and towns in a country where 25 percent of the population is displaced. Although the Central African Armed Forces and their allies have been able to stabilize parts of the country, violence continues to impact civilians — particularly in the East — and there are indications that space for political dissent is closing.

Join USIP and the National Endowment for Democracy for a conversation with civil society leaders on the prospects for peace and democracy in CAR. The discussion will assess recent peace and dialogue processes as well as offer recommendations for how the international community can support democracy in CAR — particularly in the lead up to local elections this September, the first in CAR in more than 30 years.

This event will be live streamed in both French and English.

Speakers:

Elizabeth Murray, introductory remarks

Senior Program Officer, Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace

Kessy Martine Ekomo-Soignet

Youth Activist and Founder, URU

Rhosyns Ngatondang Zalang

President, Association Jeunesse en Marche pour le Developpement en RCA

Abdel Nour

Vice President, Islamic Youth of CAR

Hans de Marie Heungoup

Senior Analyst, Central Africa, International Crisis Group

Valéry Nadjibe, moderator

Program Officer, Central Africa, National Endowment for Democracy

For more information and to RSVP, please visit

Connect with us!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Newsletters

The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP