SUMMARY

The name anti-balaka means anti-sword or anti-machete in the local languages of Mandja and Sango. The name is often used to describe self-defence units set up by communities to fight against bandits, cattle-raiders, rebels and poachers. Anti-balaka groups appeared for example during the bush war in Central African Republic 2004-2007. Most recruits were Christian or animist.

After President Bozize was ousted many former government army soldiers (FACA) joined anti-Balaka. Anti-balaka consisted of many different elements. The most organized part being CLPC (Coordination nationale des Libérateurs du Peuple Centrafrican) led by Ngaïssona, but also the Association of Central African Farmers (ACP), an anti-Seleka peasant movement, as well as the Front for the Return to the Constitutional Order in Central Africa (FROCCA). Many local armed groups were also seen as anti-balaka elements as well as old FACA.

Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona led the main coordination of Anti-Balaka factions.

Anti-balaka has been involved in the intrastate, non-state and one-sided categories of UCDP organised violence.