SUMMARY

The non-state conflict between the two former rebel groups of CPJP and Seleka (originally known as UFDR; Union of Democratic Forces for Unity) was primarily a conflict over control over diamond mines. The fighting took place in the town of Bria in the center of the Central African Republic and the reason for the fighting was who should be in control over diamond mines that are located in the area. Diamond mining was one of the country’s main revenue earners and the government that was led by President Bozizé kept tight control of these operations. This policy resulted in widespread informal mining with the involvement of various rebel groups. The fighting also had an ethnic dimension with the CPJP being composed of the Rongas while the UFDR represents the Goulas. These two rival ethnic groups who have feuded over the regions diamond mines for years. After a few weeks of fighting negotiations by the two rebel groups, overseen by the Government of CAR, took place and in October the two groups signed a ceasefire agreement. After the accord was signed fighting eased down and no more fighting between the two parties was reported for 2011.

The non-state conflict between CPJP and Seleka was first included in UCDP data in 2011. In September of that year clashes between the two groups resulted in over 25 battle-related deaths.