Open AccessReligion in The Central African Republic Is Not the Problem, But Could be the Solution
Author(s) -
Corbin Zoeteman
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
political science undergraduate review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2562-1289
pISSN - 2562-1270
DOI - 10.29173/psur25
Subject(s) - peacebuilding , democracy , nationality , government (linguistics) , politics , political science , political economy , the republic , history of religions , development economics , sociology , law , religious studies , epistemology , immigration , economics , linguistics , philosophy
This paper examines the current conflict in the Central African Republic. I first outline the history of the region, beginning with its colonialization, showing that generations of its citizens have never experienced a stable and just government. I suggest this has lead its people to identify more with their religion instead of their collective nationality. Next I examine the religious undertones of the current conflict, emphasizing that religion is not the source of the problem, but rather a tool used by political factions to justify their destructive actions. I then examine religious peacebuilding exercises used in other conflicts and how they could be applied in the Central African Republic. Finally, I examine how religious leaders are already attempting to unite the country through religion. Overall I believe reconciliation between the factions is possible, and that peacebuilding exercises will lead to a stable and unified democratic government.