Topic: 2025 – Reducing Recruitment Capabilities of Terrorist Groups
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Elisabeth Ver Steeg
The rise of Terrorism across the globe has remained a prevalent issue over the decades. However,
in recent years, it has been spreading faster than ever and becoming ever more deadly. Countries across
Africa and Central and South Asia have experienced the brunt of this increase. Groups like the Taliban,
Abu Sayyaf, and Al Qu’ida Core, being some of the most well-known, have contributed to the killing and
torture of innocent civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and civil unrest. Though it should be known
that terrorist groups do not come to power for no reason. They rise to power due to political and religious
beliefs, perceived injustices, and collective identity. Recruitment for these groups often starts in
adolescence, when personal identity and belief systems in one’s self are most unstable. Social media
streamlines the spread of terrorist group propaganda, luring young adults into extremist paths. The quality
of education plays a huge role in preventing the spread of this propaganda. Schools teach children critical
thinking and information evaluation, allowing them to spot misinformation when they come across it.
The Central African Republic does not have a stance on terrorism, but is instead a victim of it.
According to the Global Terrorism Index, CAR ranks number seventy-one globally on its impact on
terrorism. The same study showed that the Sahel region of Africa ranked as the most affected region
globally; the CAR in among the many countries in this region. Currently, several rebel groups like Séléka
and Anti-Balaka in the country contribute to the high rates of terrorism. The country also has an extensive
history of political coups backed by rebel forces; the earliest being in 1968 when the dictator Jean
Bendel-Bosaka took over the country.
The country’s efforts to reduce terrorist recruitments are weak and limited. It has collaborated
with Wagner (a Russian military group) in order to protect government officials, but the group has turned
to harming civilians in their work. Radio Free Europe, a public news outlet, has written on the issue,
stating,
“Between 2018 and 2024, Russian troops were involved in more than 100 gun battles, and
committed more than 362 incidents of violence against civilians” (Koena). The country has adhered to all
UN global terrorism treaties made, and it has signed two regional treaties regarding the Algiers
convention. Even though the country has signed counter terrorism treaties, it’s own domestic terrorism
has degraded the public order, institutions, and rule of law in the country. CAR simply does not have the
ability to uphold any legislation on the issue because of the nations instability running rampant.
What are the possible solutions? It is clear that legislation within the country would have little
effect on countering terrorist recruitment, and the country’s education system is weak and limited. If
anything were to have an effect on reducing terrorism and terrorist recruitment in the country, it would be
outside groups. The country would need the help of other countries and organizations mainly focusing on
improving the quality and duration of the country’s education. The use of military intervention may be
needed, but if it is used, efforts should be made to make sure that it doesn’t have the same outcome the
Wagner group had.
