Sectarian violence continued in Ban- gui and provinces, several killed in Ouaka, centre, scores killed throughout month in and near Bambari. Clashes with peace- keeping forces continued following failed attempts to disarm armed groups, including in Bambari late June. Several killed 14 June in clashes between Muslim self-defence groups and anti- balaka in PK5 district of Bangui. Dialogue between Seleka and anti-balaka, mediated by NGO Pareto, opened 15 June, little support for talks in ranks. Anti-balaka 27 June held internal meeting aiming to unify movement. New armed group Union des forces armées centrafricaines pour le redressement (UFA-CAR) emerged during month, officially fighting for restoration of constitutional order, called for all former CAR soldiers to join them. President Samba Panza 10-13 June organised meeting to define roadmap for reconciliation and dialogue, govt presented four-point plan to restore peace. UN preliminary report leaked 6 June accused both sides of crimes against humanity, stated alleged role of Chad and Sudan in CAR violence; Chad govt strongly denied, CAR delegation visited Khartoum; Samba Panza 13 June requested ICC investigation into war crimes. CAR summit between Angola, Chad and Congo held early June, called on UN to increase humanitarian assistance and speed up MINUSCA deployment. EU military force 15 June reached full operational capacity of 700 soldiers and police. U.S. Special Rep for CAR Symington visited Bangui 17-21 June.

Attacks, several involving armed herders, multiplied in NW and centre including 55 killed early May near Paoua, 30 in Markounda, thousands displaced. Clashes between anti-balaka and Seleka increased in centre: at least 22 killed in Mala early May; 30 killed in Dekoa mid-May. Intense clashes between unidentified fighters and French troops close to Paoua 6 May. Sectarian violence continued in Bangui: violent anti-govt protests followed 28 May attack on church in Bangui that killed at least 17; 2 killed when peacekeepers opened fire. Leaders of different Seleka factions 9 May met in Ndélé, created interim political committee, formed military wing and appointed former regional commander Joseph Zindeko military chief; PM Nzapayéké strongly condemned outcome, accused Seleka of creating parallel security forces, attempting to divide country. French Defense Minister Le Drian 19 May visited Bangui, expressed opposition to partition. New Seleka Chief of staff Zindeko 20 May signed “confidence measures” pact with French peacekeepers to avert clashes with anti-balaka in Bambari. French troops in Bambari 22 May attempted to disarm Seleka, at least 1 killed in ensuing clashes with protesting crowds; 24 May responded to Seleka attacks, killed several. Anti-balaka leaders 15 May gathered in Bangui, elected Sébastien Wenezoui new militia coordinator; appointment contested by former chief Ngaissona. UN and U.S. 9 and 13 May respectively imposed sanctions on former CAR President Bozizé, anti-balaka leader Lévi Yakité, Seleka military leader Noureddine Adam; U.S. also imposed sanctions on former Seleka leader and transitional president Michel Djotodia and Democratic Front of the Central African Republic People (FDPC) leader Abdoulaye Miskine.

UNSC 10 April authorised stabilisation mission “MINUSCA”; deployment of 11,800-strong peacekeeping force planned for 15 Sept. EU 2 April formally launched military mission EUFOR-RCA, deployment expected June. Chad withdrew its 830-strong MISCA contingent following allegations troops late-March opened fire on anti-balaka and civilians. Security in Bangui stabilised despite sporadic violence including 7 reportedly killed during clash with French soldiers 25 April, and continued anti-balaka attempts to block remaining Muslims’ departure. 2 killed 27 April in anti-Balaka attack on international force convoy escorting 1,300 Muslims from capital to north, authorities voiced concern exodus encouraging partition. Sectarian clashes continued in provinces: 30 killed in Dekoa 8 April; 22 in Grimari 14 April; several killed near Bozoum 10 April; hundreds of Muslims trapped in Boda in west. Chadian soldiers escorting remaining 540 Muslims from Bossangoa to Chad attacked by local militia 11 April. 22 killed 26 April in attack by suspected Seleka sympathisers on hospital in Nanga Boguila, NW. Seleka 22 April took control of Bouca in north. 2 MISCA soldiers injured in Bria 10 April during clash with Seleka. Seleka internal dissent led to creation of new movement Organisation de la résistance musulmane centrafricaine (OMRC). UNSG and U.S. ambassador to UN early April visited Bangui, denounced human rights violations, called for national reconciliation.

Security continued to deteriorate: anti-balaka forces 24 March killed MISCA peacekeeper in Boali, injured 3 peacekeepers in Bangui. Chadian MISCA peacekeepers 30 March reportedly opened fire on large crowd in Christian neighbourhood in Bangui, killed over 24, injured over 100; MISCA said peacekeepers acting in self-defence. Communities in north being threatened by resurgence of former armed group Front Populaire pour le Redressement (FPR) and emergence of new group Révolution Justice (RJ). FPR 3 March killed 6 civilians near Paoua; 12 March allegedly attacked and burnt Koki village, 80km from Bossangoa. UNSG Ban 31 March expressed concern over upsurge in violence, said perpetrators will be held accountable. ICRC 28 March reported at least 11 killed in grenade attack on funeral in predominantly Christian neighbourhood of Bangui. Muslims remaining in Bangui continued to be targeted including at least 9 killed in clashes with anti-balaka 24-25 March. Govt 19 March announced intention to identify, disarm and demobilise anti-balaka. Increasing Muslim resentment against French Operation Sangaris, accused of siding with anti-balaka. UNSG Ban 3 March proposed peacekeeping force of nearly 12,000; next UNSC resolution on CAR under discussion. EU 29 March announced military mission, delayed by struggle to secure troop numbers, preparing to deploy; French President Hollande 24 March urged EU countries to immediately deploy pledged troops.

Widespread violence continued unabated, including increasing attacks on Muslims, despite Jan political transition and increase of MISCA forces to nearly 6,000. UNSG 20 Feb recommended establishment of UN peacekeeping mission, appealed to international community for additional 3,000 troops to reinforce MISCA in interim. France 25 Feb extended Sangaris mission indefinitely; EU said would send 1,000-strong force, troops expected to deploy in March. Attacks on Muslims by anti-balaka escalated, scores killed throughout month including several killed in repeated attacks on MISCA-escorted convoys of Muslims departing CAR. Transitional Council member assassinated 9 Feb after denouncing anti-Muslim violence. Joint French-MISCA disarmament operation 15 Feb in Bangui led to dozens of anti-balaka arrests including leaders. Seleka retreat to NE continued as anti-balaka expanded territorial control beyond Bangui; spokesman 22 Feb said militia would disarm only after all Seleka laid down weapons. Anti-balaka split between supporters of ex-President Bozizé and supporters of new national authorities. President Samba-Panza expressed concern over risk of sectarian partition of CAR, 17 Feb asked France to remain until elections early 2015. French President Hollande 28 Feb visited Bangui, met president to discuss crisis. ICC prosecutor 7 Feb announced investigation into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity.

Interim President Djotodia and PM Tiangaye forced to resign 10 Jan at ECCAS summit in Chad; National Transitional Council 20 Jan elected Bangui mayor Catherine Samba-Panza as new interim president, regional banking official André Nzapayeke named PM 25 Jan. PM 27 Jan named new 20-member govt, mostly technocrats. 3 ministries retained by Seleka, 1 given to anti-balaka. Attacks, particularly by anti-balaka “self-defence” groups targeting Muslims, continued: Muslim former minister Joseph Kalite assassinated 24 Jan; scores killed in Bangui and NW despite increase of MISCA numbers to 4,500. Rwanda began deploying pledged contingent of 800 troops to reinforce mission. MISCA soldier killed, 4 injured in grenade attack in Bangui 22 Jan. EU FMs 20 Jan approved joint military force of 500 troops to deploy by end-Feb for 6 months to assist MISCA; ECCAS 31 Jan pledged $100mn. UNSC 28 Jan authorised deployment of EU troops, use of force, set sanctions regime; also extended and reinforced BINUCA mandate. Discussion on potential transformation of MISCA into UN peacekeeping force: Samba-Panza and rights organisations support proposal, AU reluctant. UN established commission to investigate rights abuses; U.S. Sec State Kerry 26 Jan threatened sanctions against CAR spoilers. Seleka reportedly regrouped 30 Jan in Sibut, following departure of scores of fighters from Bangui; Samba-Panza denounced secessionist intent.

Scores killed in cycle of religious killings and retaliations in Bangui: “anti-balaka” militias 5 Dec attacked ex-Seleka; Amnesty International reported over 1,000 killed in ensuing sectarian clashes. UNSC 5 Dec passed resolution authorising French military intervention as violence continued to escalate; 1,600 French troops deployed. Violence continued throughout country: 38 killed, 9,000 displaced by anti-balaka offensive in Bozoum, NW; French soldiers deployed. 30 bodies found 26 Dec close to military camp in Bangui. Interim President Djotodia reportedly offered anti-balaka role in govt 14 Dec in attempt to contain fighting; several anti-balaka elements expressed desire to overthrow Djotodia, oust Seleka. French forces focused on disarmament; 2 French soldiers killed early Dec. EU FMs 16 Dec stated intent to explore possibility of EU civilian or military mission; France urged EU partners contributing logistics aid to increase support, deploy troops. MISCA peacekeeping mission officially transferred from ECCAS to AU 19 Dec; 850 additional Burundian troops deployed. U.S. President Obama 10 Dec authorised use of up to $100mn to support MISCA; U.S. Ambassador to UN Samantha Power 19 Dec visited Bangui. Political tensions increased as Djotodia fired security, finance and livestock ministers without consulting with PM Tiangaye, violating constitutional charter.

Tensions and deadly violence increased, including in Bangui where residents repeatedly clashed with ex- rebels. Deadly clashes between ex-rebels and self-defence groups continued across country displacing thousands; interim President Djotodia 22 Nov announced countrywide curfew. Religious tensions also increased, with several massacres in NW. UNSG Ban 18 Nov called on UNSC to immediately back military action to protect civilians, considered option to transform AU force into UN operation with up to 9,000 troops and 1,700 police. French FM Laurent Fabius 21 Nov warned of genocide risk, President Hollande called for swift intervention; French govt 26 Nov confirmed will triple number of soldiers in CAR to 1,200 to support AU peacekeeping mission (MISCA) for 6 months; late month started deployment from neighbouring countries. U.S. Sec State Kerry 20 Nov pledged $40 mn aid for AU-led mission; Burundi and Rwanda said willing to deploy troops. Djotodia 21 Nov said holding surrender talks with LRA including leader Joseph Kony; U.S. and UN officials expressed doubts Kony taking part. Hundreds of ex-rebels 16 Nov crossed into Cameroon, attacked border village Gbiti.

Violence deepened throughout month. MSF reported over 30,000 fled clashes between ex-Seleka rebels and armed groups in NW. Rebels 11 Oct clashed with miners in Garga killing several; 8 Oct clashed with self-defence groups leaving tens dead; 11 Oct attacked security forces. 6 killed 11 Oct in clashes between rebels and armed groups in Bomboro, south of Bangui. At least 5 killed 5 Oct in intercommunal clashes in Bangassou in east. At least 12 killed 26 Oct in clashes between Seleka and self-defence groups in Bouar, NW. UNSC 29 Oct approved deployment of 560 additional peacekeepers including some 250 to protect UN peacebuilding office (BINUCA); UN 10 Oct reinforced mandate and scope of BINUCA, in particular human rights component, supported establishment of AU stabilisation mission (MISCA). Visiting French FM 13 Oct said France would increase troop presence by year-end; French President Hollande 14 Oct repeated warning CAR insecurity could destabilise wider region. Regional leaders meeting at ECCAS summit in Chad 25 Oct called for inclusive national conference in CAR, called on CAR authorities to follow stabilisation strategy drafted by ECCAS steering committee; appointed Cameroonian Martin Tumenta as head of new MISCA force. Former CAR PM Dologuélé 25 Oct created new political party “Union pour le Renouveau Centrafricaine” (URCA).

Violence worsened, religious tensions increased and humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate, particularly in NW. Seleka rebel abuses including killing and torture displaced thousands and sparked clashes with supporters of former president Bozizé, self-defence groups, ethnic Gbaya communities, and combatants from armed groups including Seleka-breakaway Democratic Front of the Central African Republic (FDPC) and People’s Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD). Transitional President Djotodia 13 Sept formally dissolved Seleka coalition amid criticisms he is unable to rein in fighters. France 23 Sept called for urgent action, warned lack of international response risks destabilising wider region. EU, AU, UN, U.S. and CAR neighbours met 25 Sept in New York on margin of UNGA to discuss support to AU peacekeeping mission and strengthening of UN peacebuilding office in CAR. PM Tiangaye 26 Sept called for support from international community and quick deployment of AU peacekeeping force.