Blog 3: Christian militias invade second city in C. Africa

Summary:

There has been a high level of violence related to religion in the Central African Republic.  Recently, a mainly Muslim rebellious group, known as the Seleka rebellion, left the mostly peaceful city of Berberati.  While the group had committed widespread violence elsewhere in the Central African Republic, they did not do much harm in the actual city.  A few days after this group left, however, an “anti-balaka” group of Christians arrived to take over.  This group, originally formed to fight robbers in the country, has taken to attacking any Muslim civilians who were accused of siding with the Seleka fighters.  The anti-balaka group has killed 10-15 Muslim civilians in the area.  Now, French soldiers are on patrol in Berberati, but they are nott received kindly by the local peoples and have been the subject of more violence.  Many people, frustrated by their lives, side with and support the anti-balaka people.  

Analysis:

Sociologically, we can see that it is much easier for people to blame their problems on the “other”.  Throughout history, we can see a pattern of creating the “us” and the “them”, leading to discrimination against certain groups.  The “us” in command works to undermine and get rid of any threat from the “them” to usurp their power.  Religion is often a defining factor in creating this division.  “We” worship in a church, while “they” worship in another temple.  Obviously, “they” are the problem because it could never be “us”.  This is clearly illustrated in the changing powers in the city of Berberati.  While the Muslim group was in command of the area, the Christians were careful to follow rules.  As the Christian extremist group took over, they worked to intimidate and silence the Muslim civilians.

http://news.yahoo.com/christian-militias-invade-second-city-c-africa-155437224.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory