The Failure of Peace Processes: The Specific Case of the Central African Republic

Abstract

The peace process, resulting from a peace agreement, is a series of actions whose achievement aims to provide a definitive solution to an armed conflict. This process is established over a long period of time, hence the importance of support from UN agencies. The lack of implementation of the actions advocated in this process can plunge the country into crisis. This crisis can intensify and lead to a chaotic situation, as in the case of the Central African Republic (CAR). We analyze the failure of 13 peace agreements signed in the context of the conflict in CAR between 1997 and February 2019. We see that the lack of reasonable sharing of power with the opposition (political and military) in these peace processes is a determining factor in the failure of this process. The reluctance to share power is motivated by the sharing of the cake between clans and parliamentary coalition acquired for the benefit of regimes. Also, the regimes have little interest, purposely for institutional reforms, the final disengagement of armed militias and the establishment of justice to prosecute the perpetrators of human rights violations and international crimes. This study has an implication for CAR seen around the world as the champion of peace processes and peacekeeping missions.