View source for Central African Armed Forces

{{Short description|Forces of the Central African Republic}}
{{distinguish|text = [[Forces Armées Centrafricaine]], an association football club in the Central African Republic}}
{{Update|inaccurate=yes|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox national military
| name               = Central African Armed Forces
| native_name        = {{lang|fr|Forces armées centrafricaines}} (FACA)
| image              = 
| alt                = 
| caption            = 
| image2             = 
| alt2               = 
| caption2           = 
| motto              = 
| founded            = 1960
| current_form       = 
| disbanded          = 
| branches           = Ground Forces<br />[[Central African Republic Air Force|Air Force]]<br />{{ill|National Gendarmerie (Central African Republic)|lt=National Gendarmerie|fr|Gendarmerie nationale (République centrafricaine)}}<br />[[Republican Guard (Central African Republic)|Republican Guard]]<br />National Police
| headquarters       = Camp Le Roux, [[Bangui]]
| website            = <!--{{URL|example.mil}}-->
<!-- Leadership -->
| commander-in-chief = [[Faustin-Archange Touadéra]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[List of heads of state of the Central African Republic|Commander-in-Chief]] 
| chief minister     = 
| chief minister_title = 
| minister           = [[Rameaux-Claude Bireau]]
| minister_title     = Minister of Defense
| commander          = [[Zéphirin Mamadou]]
| commander_title    = Chief of the Defence Staff
<!-- Manpower -->
| age                = 
| conscription       = Voluntary, after the age of 18 years
| active             = 30,000 (2022)<ref name="globalfirepower.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.asp?country_id=central-african-republic|title = 2021 Central African Republic Military Strength}}</ref>
| ranked             = 
| reserve            = 
| deployed           = 
<!-- Financial -->
| amount             = $25 million (2021)<ref name="globalfirepower.com"/>
| percent_GDP        = 1.4% (2018)
<!-- Industrial -->
| domestic_suppliers = 
| foreign_suppliers  = {{flag|Brazil}}<br>{{flag|China}}<br>{{flag|India}}<br>{{flag|Indonesia}}<br>{{flag|Portugal}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc22/comunicacao/noticia?i=portugal-entrega-equipamento-e-material-individual-a-republica-centro-africana|title = Portugal sends military equipment to Central African Republic}}</ref><br>
{{flag|Russia}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/c-africa-rebels-rearm-military-gets-russia-weapons-192012145.html|title=C.Africa rebels rearm after military gets Russia weapons:UN panel|access-date=2018-08-08|archive-date=2018-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808043613/https://www.yahoo.com/news/c-africa-rebels-rearm-military-gets-russia-weapons-192012145.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><br>{{flag|Singapore}}<br>{{flag|South Africa}}<br>{{flag|United States}}<br>{{flag|Vietnam}}<br>{{flag|Israel}}<br>{{flag|European Union}}<br>{{flag|Japan}} <hr> '''Historical''': <br>{{flag|France}}
| imports            = 
| exports            = 
<!-- Related articles -->
| history            = [[Lord's Resistance Army insurgency]]<br>[[Central African Republic Bush War]]<br>[[Central African Republic Civil War]]
| ranks              = [[Military ranks of Central African Republic]]
}}

The '''Central African Armed Forces''' ({{langx|fr|Forces armées centrafricaines}}; FACA) are the [[armed forces]] of the [[Central African Republic]] and have been barely functional since the outbreak of the [[Central African Republic Civil War|civil war]] in 2012. Today they are among the world's weakest armed forces, dependent on international support to provide security in the country. In recent years the government has struggled to form a unified national army. It consists of the Ground Force (which includes the [[Central African Republic Air Force|air service]]), the gendarmerie, and the National Police.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/central-african-republic/ Central African Republic] – CIA World Factbook</ref>

Its disloyalty to the president came to the fore during the mutinies in 1996–1997, and since then has faced internal problems. It has been strongly criticised by human rights organisations due to [[terrorism]], including killings, [[torture]] and [[Sexual assault|sexual violence]]. In 2013 when militants of the [[Séléka]] rebel coalition seized power and overthrew President Bozizé they executed many FACA troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monitor.upeace.org/innerpg.cfm?id_article=1026|title=Peace and Conflict Monitor, Understanding the 2013 Coup dâétat in the Central African Republic|work=upeace.org|access-date=2014-07-31|archive-date=2015-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724072812/http://www.monitor.upeace.org/innerpg.cfm?id_article=1026|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==History==

===Role of military in domestic politics===
The military has played an important role in the history of [[Central African Republic]]. The immediate former president, General [[François Bozizé]] was a former army chief-of-staff and his government included several high-level military officers. Among the country's five presidents since independence in 1960, three have been former army chiefs-of-staff, who have taken power through [[coups d'état]]. No president with a military background has, however, ever been succeeded by a new military president.

The country's first president, [[David Dacko]] was [[Saint-Sylvestre coup d'état|overthrown]] by his army chief-of-staff, [[Jean-Bédel Bokassa]] in 1966. Following the [[Operation Caban|ousting]] of Bokassa in 1979, David Dacko was restored to power, only to be [[1981 Central African Republic coup d'état|overthrown once again]] in 1981 by his new army chief of staff, General [[André Kolingba]].

In 1993, [[Ange-Félix Patassé]] became the Central African Republic's first elected president. He soon became unpopular within the army, resulting in violent mutinies in 1996–1997. In May 2001, there was an [[2001 Central African Republic coup d'état attempt|unsuccessful coup attempt]] by Kolingba and once again Patassé had to turn to friends abroad for support, this time [[History of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi|Libya]] and [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DR Congo]]. Some months later, at the end of October, Patassé sacked his army chief-of-staff, François Bozizé, and attempted to arrest him. Bozizé then fled to [[Chad]] and gathered a group of rebels. In 2002, he seized [[Bangui]] for a short period, and in March 2003 took power in a [[2003 Central African Republic coup d'état|coup d'état]].<ref name="one">{{cite web|url=http://www.franceevasion.com/toutsavoir/pays-republique-centrafricaine.htm|title=– Histoire: République centrafricaine|work=franceevasion.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625065519/http://www.franceevasion.com/toutsavoir/pays-republique-centrafricaine.htm|archive-date=2007-06-25}}</ref>

===Importance of ethnicity===
When General Kolingba became president in 1981, he implemented an ethnicity-based recruitment policy for the administration. Kolingba was a member of the [[Yakoma people]] from the south of the country, which made up approximately 5% of the total population. During his rule, members of Yakoma were granted all key positions in the administration and made up a majority of the military. This later had disastrous consequences when Kolingba was replaced by a member of a northerner tribe, Ange-Félix Patassé.

===Army mutinies of 1996–1997===
Soon after the election in 1993, Patassé became unpopular within the army, not least because of his inability to pay their wages (partly due to economic mismanagement and partly because [[France]] suddenly ended its economic support for the soldiers' wages). Another reason for the irritation was that most of FACA consisted of soldiers from Kolingba's ethnic group, the Yakoma. During Patassé's rule they had become increasingly marginalised, while he created militias favouring his own [[Gbaya people|Gbaya]] tribe, as well as neighbouring [[Sara people|Sara]] and Kaba. This resulted in army mutinies in 1996–1997, where factions of the military clashed with the presidential guard, the ''Unité de sécurité présidentielle (USP)'' and militias loyal to Patassé.<ref name="two">{{cite web| url = http://www.sangonet.com/actu-snews/santeah/fich-RCA-unhcr2005.pdf| title = – UNDP: Fiche Pays: République centrafricaine (2005)| access-date = 2007-06-20| archive-date = 2020-08-29| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200829003225/http://www.sangonet.com/actu-snews/santeah/fich-RCA-unhcr2005.pdf| url-status = dead}}</ref>

* On April 18, 1996, between 200 and 300 soldiers mutinied, claiming that they had not received their wages since 1992–1993. The confrontations between the soldiers and the presidential guard resulted in 9 dead and 40 wounded. French forces provided support (Operation Almandin I) and acted as negotiators. The unrest ended when the soldiers were finally paid their wages by France and the President agreed not to start legal proceedings against them.
* On May 18, 1996, a second mutiny was led by 500 soldiers who refused to be disarmed, denouncing the agreement reached in April. French forces were once again called to Bangui (Operation Almadin II), supported by the militaries of Chad and [[Gabon]]. 3,500 foreigners were evacuated during the unrest, which left 43 persons dead and 238 wounded.
* On May 26, a peace agreement was signed between France and the mutineers. The latter were promised amnesty, and were allowed to retain their weapons. Their security was ensured by the French military.
* On November 15, 1996, a third mutiny took place, and 1,500 French soldiers were flown in to ensure the safety of foreigners. The mutineers demanded the discharge of the president.

On 6 December, a negotiation process started, facilitated by Gabon, [[Burkina-Faso]], Chad and [[Mali]]. The military — supported by the opposition parties — insisted that Patassé had to resign. In January 1997, however, the [[Bangui Agreements]] were signed and the French EFAO troop were replaced by the 1,350 soldiers of the ''Mission interafricaine de surveillance des Accords de Bangui (MISAB)''. In March, all mutineers were granted amnesty. The fighting between MISAB and the mutineers continued with a large offensive in June, resulting in up to 200 casualties. After this final clash, the mutineers calmed.<ref name="two" />

After the mutinies, President Patassé suffered from a typical "dictator's paranoia", resulting in a period of cruel terror executed by the presidential guard and various militias within the FACA loyal to the president, such as the Karako. The violence was directed against the Yakoma tribe, of which it is estimated that 20,000 persons fled during this period. The oppression also targeted other parts of society. The president accused his former ally France of supporting his enemies and sought new international ties. When he strengthened his presidential guard (creating the FORSIDIR, see below), Libya sent him 300 additional soldiers for his own personal safety. When former President Kolingba [[2001 Central African Republic coup d'état attempt|attempted a coup d'état]] in 2001 (which was, according to Patassé, supported by France), the [[Movement for the Liberation of the Congo]] (MLC) of [[Jean-Pierre Bemba]] in DR Congo came to his rescue.<ref name="three">[http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/afr/central+african+republic!Open – Amnesty International: Amnesty International Report 2002] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813060557/http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/afr/central%2Bafrican%2Brepublic%21Open |date=August 13, 2007 }}</ref>

Crimes conducted by Patassé's militias and Congolese soldiers during this period are now being investigated by the [[International Criminal Court]], who wrote that "sexual violence appears to have been a central feature of the conflict", having identified more than 600 rape victims.<ref name="four">[https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070522/wl_africa_afp/icccentrafrica_070522145948 – Yahoo News: ICC to investigate Central African Republic sexual violence, 22 May 2007]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Present situation==
[[File:Patrolling the streets of Birao.jpg|thumb|A FACA servicemember armed with a [[RPD machine gun]] on patrol during a 2007 joint military operation in [[Birao]]]]

The FACA has been dominated by soldiers from the Yakoma ethnic group since the time of Kolingba. It has hence been considered disloyal by the two northerner presidents Patassé and Bozizé, both of whom have equipped and run their own militias outside FACA. The military also proved its disloyalty during the mutinies in 1996–1997. Although Francois Bozizé had a background in FACA himself (being its chief-of-staff from 1997 to 2001), he was cautious by retaining the defence portfolio, as well as by appointing his son Jean-Francis Bozizé cabinet director in charge of running the Ministry of Defence. He kept his old friend General Antoine Gambi as Chief of Staff. Due to failure to curb deepening unrest in the northern part of the country, Gambi was in July 2006 replaced with Bozizé's old friend from the military academy, Jules Bernard Ouandé.<ref name="ten">{{cite web|url=http://www.afrik.com/article10063.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709172955/http://www.afrik.com/article10063.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2006|title=Un nouveau chef pour l'armée centrafricaine|author=Panapress|date=6 July 2006|work=afrik.com}}</ref>

===Military's relations with the society===
The forces assisting Bozizé in [[2003 Central African Republic coup d'état|seizing the power]] in 2003 were not paid what they were promised and started looting, terrorising and killing ordinary citizens. [[Summary execution]]s took place with the implicit approval of the government. The situation has deteriorated since early 2006, and the regular army and the presidential guard regularly execute extortion, torture, killings and other human rights violations. There is no possibility for the national judicial system to investigate these cases. At the end of 2006, there were an estimated 150,000 internally displaced people in CAR. During a UN mission in the northern part of the country in November 2006, the mission had a meeting with a prefect who said that he could not maintain law and order over the military and the presidential guards. The FACA currently conducts summary executions and burns houses. On the route between [[Kaga-Bandoro]] and [[Ouandago]] some 2,000 houses have been burnt, leaving an estimated 10,000 persons homeless.<ref name="eleven">[http://www.internal-displacement.org/8025708F004BE3B1/(httpInfoFiles)/63ACDE89E61019B5C125726F0035E8A0/$file/CAR_report_Jan2007.pdf – Internal displacement in Central African Republic: a protection crisis, January 26, 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621160703/http://www.internal-displacement.org/8025708F004BE3B1/%28httpInfoFiles%29/63ACDE89E61019B5C125726F0035E8A0/%24file/CAR_report_Jan2007.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/httpInfoFiles%29/63ACDE89E61019B5C125726F0035E8A0/%24file/CAR_report_Jan2007.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |date=June 21, 2007 }}</ref>

===Reform of the army===
Both the ''Multinational Force in the Central African Republic'' (FOMUC) and France are assisting in the current reform of the army. One of the key priorities of the reform of the military is to make it more ethnically diversified. It also seeks to integrate Bozizé's own rebel group (mainly consisting of members of his own [[Gbaya people|Gbaya tribe]]). Many of the Yakoma soldiers who left the country after the mutinies in 1996–1997 have returned and must also be reintegrated into the army. At the same time, BONUCA holds seminars in topics such as the relationship between the military and civil parts of society. 2018 saw Russia send mercenaries to help train and equip the CAR military, and by 2020 Russia had increased its influence in the region.
<ref name="twelve">{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18174.htm|title=Central African Republic|work=U.S. Department of State}}</ref>

==Army equipment==
[[File:RussiansinBangui.png|thumb|250px|Delivery of Russian BRDM-2 armored vehicles to Central African Republic, October 2020]]
Most of the army's heavy weapons and equipment were destroyed or captured by Séléka militants during the 2012–2014 civil war.<ref name="UN">{{cite web|title=Report of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013)|last1=Llorca|first1=Aurélien|last2=Handy|first2=Paul-Simon|last3=Himmiche|first3=Ahmed|last4=De Koning|first4=Ruben|last5=Reyes Aragón|first5=Carolina|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|location=New York
|publisher=United Nations|date=26 July 2014|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329063501/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017}}</ref> In the immediate aftermath of the war, the army was only in possession of 70 rifles.<ref name="UN"/> The majority of its arsenals were plundered during the fighting by the Séléka coalition and other armed groups.<ref name="UN"/> Thousands of the army's small arms were also distributed to civilian supporters of former President Bozizé in 2013.<ref name="Heitman">{{cite book|last=Heitman|first=Helmoed-Römer|title=The Battle in Bangui: The Untold Story|date=2013|pages=9, 28–34|publisher=Parktown Publishers|location=Johannesburg|isbn=978-0-9921902-8-6}}</ref> Prior to 2014, the army's stocks of arms and ammunition were primarily of French, Soviet, and Chinese origin.<ref name="UN"/>

In 2018, the army's equipment stockpiles were partly revitalized by a donation of 900 pistols, 5,200 rifles, and 270 unspecified rocket launchers from Russia.<ref name="DefenceWeb">{{cite news|title=Russia cementing military ties with the Central African Republic|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50771:russia-cementing-military-ties-with-the-central-african-republic&catid=56:diplomacy-a-peace&Itemid=111|work=DefenceWeb|location=Johannesburg|date=19 February 2018|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219123740/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50771:russia-cementing-military-ties-with-the-central-african-republic&catid=56:diplomacy-a-peace&Itemid=111 |archive-date=19 February 2018}}</ref>

=== Small arms ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=16%| Name
! width=10%| Image
! width=15%| Caliber
! width=12%| Type
! width=10%| Origin
! width=28%| Notes
|-
! colspan="6"| Pistols
|-
| [[MAC Mle 1950|MAC 50]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:MAC-50 detoured.jpg|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| {{Flag|France}}
|
|-
| [[Walther PP]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:1972 Walther PP.jpg|150px]]
| [[.25 ACP]]
| [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| {{Flag|Germany}}
|
|-
| [[Manurhin MR 73]]
| [[File:Manurhin-MR-73.jpg|150px]]
| [[.357 Magnum]]
| [[Revolver]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Submachine guns
|-
| [[Uzi]]<ref name="Jane1">{{cite book |last= Hogg |first= Ian |title= Jane's Infantry Weapons, 1991–1992 |year= 1991 |edition= 1992 |page= 96 |publisher= Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd |isbn= 978-071060963-2}}</ref>
| [[File:Uzi of the israeli armed forces noBG.png|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|Israel}}
| 
|-
| [[Carl Gustaf m/45]]<ref name ='SAS 2005'>{{cite book |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html |chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-11-EN.pdf |chapter=The Central African Republic: A Case Study of Small Arms and Conflict |title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |year=2005 |author=Small Arms Survey |author-link=Small Arms Survey |page=318 |isbn=978-0-19-928085-8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109192749/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 9, 2010}}</ref>
| [[File:Kpist m 45B Jvm21378 (2).jpg|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| [[File:Flag of Sweden.svg|23x23px]] [[Sweden]]
| 
|-
| [[Sten]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:STEN MK II submachinegun.png|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 
|-
| [[MAS-38]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:MAS 1938 submachine gun-IMG 7409-white.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.65×20mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
| [[MAT-49]]<ref name="Bonn"/>
| [[File:MAT Submachine Gun.jpg|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Rifles
|-
| [[SKS]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Importante saisie d'armes en Centrafrique|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140315-importante-saisie-armes-centrafrique-rca-misca|language=fr|date=15 March 2014|publisher=[[Radio France International]]e|access-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713230556/http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20140315-importante-saisie-armes-centrafrique-rca-misca|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[File:Simonov-SKS-45.JPG|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[AKM]]<ref name="Bonn"/>
| [[File:AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum rightside noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
| [[Zastava M70]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:Zastava M70 AB2 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Yugoslavia}}
| 
|-
| [[Pistol Mitralieră model 1963/1965|PM md. 63]]<ref name="Tinderbox"/>
| [[File:PMmd.1963.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Socialist Republic of Romania}}
| 
|-
| [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56]]
| [[File:Type 56 mod02 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| Some captured or inherited from Séléka stockpiles.<ref name="Conflictarm">{{cite web|title=Non-State Armed Groups in the Central African Republic|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url=http://www.conflictarm.com/car_publications/NONSTATE_ARMED_GROUPS_IN_CENTRAL_AFRICAN_REPUBLIC.pdf|location=London|publisher=[[Conflict Armament Research]]|date=January 2015|access-date=29 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706044740/http://www.conflictarm.com/car_publications/NONSTATE_ARMED_GROUPS_IN_CENTRAL_AFRICAN_REPUBLIC.pdf|archive-date=6 July 2016}}</ref>
|-
| [[IMI Galil]] 
| [[File:Galil noBG.png|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Israel}}
| In service as of 2004; likely acquired from [[Zaire]] and [[Chad]].<ref name="Tinderbox"/>
|-
| [[Vektor R4]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:Vektor LM5 Feb 2008.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|South Africa|1928}}
| 
|-
| [[M14 rifle|M14]]<ref name ='SAS 2005 11'/>
| [[File:M14 Stand-off Munitions Disruptor (SMUD) (7414626342).jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|United States|1912}}
| 
|-
| [[M16 rifle|M16]]<ref name ='SAS 2005 11'/>
| [[File:M16A2 rightside noBG.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| 
|-
| [[FAMAS]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:FAMAS Assaultrifle FRA noBG.png|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Bullpup]]<hr>[[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
| [[FN FAL]]<ref name ='SAS 2005 11'/>
| [[File:FN-FAL belgian noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
| 
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch G3]]<ref name ='SAS 2005 11'/>
| [[File:H&K G3FS.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|West Germany}}
| 
|-
| [[SIG SG 540]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_africa/https-sites-google-com-site-worldinventory-wiw_af_centralafricanrepublic|title=Google Sites|access-date=2023-05-17|archive-date=2016-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124203837/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_africa/https-sites-google-com-site-worldinventory-wiw_af_centralafricanrepublic|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:SG 540 Manurhin noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|Switzerland}}
| 
|-
| [[MAS-36 rifle|MAS-36]]<ref name="Tinderbox">{{cite web|title=The Central African Republic And Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|last1=Berman|first1=Eric|last2=Lombard|first2=Louisa|url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/95111/Central-African-Republic-Small-Arms.pdf|location=Geneva
|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|date=2008|access-date=24 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324194711/https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/95111/Central-African-Republic-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2017}}</ref>
| [[File:MAS Modèle 36 right side.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.5×54mm]]
| [[Bolt-action rifle]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
| [[Lee Enfield]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014}}</ref>
| [[File:SMLE No4 Mk1.jpg|150px]]
| [[.303 British]]
| [[Bolt-action rifle]]
| {{Flag|British Empire}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Sniper rifles
|-
| [[SVD (rifle)|SVD]]<br>[[SVD (rifle)|Type 85]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014|access-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329063501/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[File:SVD Dragunov-removebg-preview.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×54mmR]]
| [[Designated marksman rifle]]<br>[[Sniper rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}<br>{{Flag|China}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Machine guns
|-
| [[SG-43 Goryunov]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_africa/https-sites-google-com-site-worldinventory-wiw_af_centralafricanrepublic|title=Google Sites|access-date=2023-05-17|archive-date=2016-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124203837/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_africa/https-sites-google-com-site-worldinventory-wiw_af_centralafricanrepublic|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:A right side view of a Soviet 7.62 mm SGM Goryunov medium machine gun with rear sight and carrying handle up.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×54mmR]]
| [[Medium machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[:ru:РП-46|RP-46]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:DM-ST-89-01130.JPEG|150px]]
| [[7.62×54mmR]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[RPD machine gun|RPD]]<ref name="Bonn"/>
| [[File:LMG-RPD-44 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Squad automatic weapon]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[RPK]]<ref name="Bonn"/>
| 
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Squad automatic weapon]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
| [[PK machine gun|PKM]]<ref>{{cite journal|title=How Russia Is Displacing the French in the Struggle for Influence in the Central African Republic|journal=Eurasia Daily Monitor|volume=15|issue=74|url=https://jamestown.org/program/how-russia-is-displacing-the-french-in-the-struggle-for-influence-in-the-central-african-republic/|first=Andrew|last=McGregor|date=May 15, 2018|publisher=[[Jamestown Foundation]]|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802110940/https://jamestown.org/program/how-russia-is-displacing-the-french-in-the-struggle-for-influence-in-the-central-african-republic/|archive-date=August 2, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[File:7,62 KK PKM Helsinki 2012 no background.JPG|150px]]
| [[7.62×54mmR]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
| [[DShK]]<ref name="Bonn">{{cite web|title= SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification (CAR country report)|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url= https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/039/central-african-republic.std.en.pdf |date= 2016 |access-date= 19 March 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180319065726/https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/039/central-african-republic.std.en.pdf |archive-date= 19 March 2018}}</ref>
| [[File:12,7-мм станковый пулемёт ДШК образца 1938 года.jpg|150px]]
| [[12.7×108mm]]
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[Type 67 machine gun|Type 67]]<ref name="CAR">{{cite news|title=Centrafrique : le Soudan a-t-il armé les ex-Séléka ? |language=fr|work=[[Jeune Afrique]]|date=17 December 2013|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/166718/politique/centrafrique-le-soudan-a-t-il-arm-les-ex-s-l-ka/|first=Laurent |last=Touchard }}</ref>
| [[File:Type 67-1 Machine gun.jpg|150px]]
| |[[7.62×54mmR]] 
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| 
|-
| [[FM 24/29 light machine gun|FM 24/29]]<ref name="jones2002">{{cite book |editor1-first=Terry J.|editor1-last=Gander|editor2-first=Charles Q. |editor2-last=Cutshaw|title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001/2002 |date=2001 |edition=27th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |isbn=9780710623171}}</ref>
| [[File:Fusil-mitrailleur 1924 M29-2001.21.2-IMG 7421-white.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.5×54mm]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
| [[AA-52 machine gun|AA-52]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor1-last=Jones |editor2-first=Leland S. |editor2-last=Ness |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=January 27, 2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:Mitrailleuse-IMG 1728.jpg|150px]]
| |[[7.62×54mmR]] 
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
| [[FN MAG]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014|access-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329063501/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[File:IDF-FN-MAG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
| 
|-
| [[Browning M1919]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014|access-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329063501/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[File:Browning M1919a.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Medium machine gun]]
| {{Flag|United States|1912}}
| 
|-
| [[Browning M2]]<ref name ='SAS 2005 11'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-11-EN.pdf|chapter=The Central African Republic: A Case Study of Small Arms and Conflict|title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|pages=309, 318|isbn=978-0-19-928085-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830004838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| [[File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg|150px]]
| [[.50 BMG]]
| [[Heavy machine gun]]
| {{Flag|United States|1912}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Rocket propelled grenade launchers
|-
| [[RPG-7]]<ref name="Bonn"/>
| [[File:Rpg-7.jpg|150px]]
| 40mm
| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|}

=== Anti-tank weapons ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=16%| Name
! width=21%| Image
! width=15%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Caliber
! width=26%| Notes
|-
| [[M40 recoilless rifle|M40A1]]
| [[File:Recoilless-rifle-beyt-hatotchan-1.jpg|150px]]
| [[Recoilless rifle]]
| {{Flag|United States|1912}}
| 106mm
| 14 in service.<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=456|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
|}

=== Mortars ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[120-PM-43 mortar|PM-43]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:120 mm regimental mortar M1943.jpg|150px]]
| [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortar]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 12
| 
| In store
|-
| [[Type 67 mortar|Type 67]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014}}</ref>
|
| [[Mortar (weapon)|Mortar]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| Unknown
| 
| 
|}

===Vehicles===
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries or notes to an equipment table without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

====Scout cars====
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[BRDM-2]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:RussiansinBangui.png|150px]]
| [[Amphibious vehicle|Amphibious]] [[Scout car|armored scout car]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 21
| 
| 
|-
| [[Ferret armoured car|Daimler Ferret]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:Daimler Ferret Mk1 Liaison (1959) owned by Clive Garton pic1.JPG|150px]]
| [[Armored car (military)|Armored car]] [[Scout car]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 8 
| 
| 
|}

====Infantry fighting vehicles====
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[Ratel IFV|Ratel-90]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:Ratel 90 armyrecognition South-Africa 008.jpg|150px]]
| [[Infantry fighting vehicle]] 
| {{Flag|South Africa|1928}}
| 2<ref name="MGZA">{{cite news|title=Bozizé's frantic plea for weapons|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2013-04-06-00-bozize-in-frantic-plea-for-weapons|location=Johannesburg|work=[[Mail & Guardian]]|date=5 April 2013|access-date=29 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408090207/https://mg.co.za/article/2013-04-06-00-bozize-in-frantic-plea-for-weapons|archive-date=8 April 2013}}</ref><ref name="Heitman"/>
| 
| Original order for 18 canceled.<ref name="Heitman"/>
|}

====Armored personnel carriers====
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| ACMAT TPK 420 BL<ref name=Budapest>{{cite book|last1=Balogh|first1=Andrea|last2=Besenyő|first2=Janos|last3=Miletics|first3=Péter|last4=Vogel|first4=David|title=Országismertető Közép-afrikai Köztársaság|date=2015|pages=157–159|publisher=Hungarian Defence Forces Scientific Research Center|location=Budapest|isbn=978-963-89948-2-0}}</ref>
| [[File:Coup d'etat Burkina 2015.png|150px]]
| [[Armored personnel carrier]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 25
| 
| 
|-
| [[Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé|VAB]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:French VAB APC during Operation Desert Shield.JPEG|150px]]
| [[Armored personnel carrier]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 10
| 
| 
|}

====Utility vehicles====
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=14%| Name
! width=20%| Image
! width=14%| Type
! width=12%| Origin
! width=10%| Quantity
! width=06%| Status
! width=24%| Notes
|-
| [[Toyota Hilux]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:US gives Toyota Hilux to the Central African Republic Armed Forces 2018.jpg|150px]]
| [[Utility vehicle]]
| {{Flag|Japan}}
| 57
| 
| 
|-
| [[Dongfeng Mengshi|CSK-131]]<ref name=IISS/>
| [[File:Vostok2018-08.jpg|150px]]
| [[Utility vehicle]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| 12
| 
| 
|}

==Foreign military presence in support of the Government==

===Peacekeeping and peace enforcing forces===
Since the mutinies, a number of [[peacekeeping]] and [[Peace enforcement|peace enforcing]] international missions have been present in Central African Republic. There has been discussion of the deployment of a regional [[United Nations]] (UN) peacekeeping force in both Chad and Central African Republic, in order to potentially shore up the ineffectual Darfur Peace Agreement. The missions deployed in the country during the last 10 years are the following:<ref name="nine">[http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/portal/spotlight/sudan/Sudan_pdf/SIB%205%20CAR.pdf – Sudan Issue Brief: A widening war around Sudan – The proliferation of armed groups in the Central African Republic, January 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705001507/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/portal/spotlight/sudan/Sudan_pdf/SIB%205%20CAR.pdf |date=2010-07-05 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|+ International Peace Supporting Missions in Central African Republic
! Mission Name || Organisation || Dates || Greatest Strength || Tasks
|-
| '''Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the [[Bangui Agreements]]''' <br>(''Mission interafricaine de surveillance des Accords de Bangui, MISAB'') || Burkina Faso, Chad, Gabon, Mali, Senegal and [[Togo]] || February 1997 to April 1998 || 820 || To monitor the fulfilling of the Bangui Agreements
|-
| '''UN Mission in the Central African Republic''' <br>(''Mission des Nations Unies en République centrafricaine, MINURCA'') || UN || April 1998 to February 2000 || 1,350 || Maintain peace and security; supervise disarmament; technical assistance during 1998 elections
|-
| '''United Nations Peace-building Office''' <br>(''Bureau politique d'observation des Nations Unies en Centrafrique, BONUCA'') || UN || February 2000 to 1 January 2010 || Five military and six civilian police advisers to follow up on security-related reforms and to assist in the implementation of the training programmes for the national police. || Consolidate peace and national reconciliation; strengthen democratic institutions; facilitate international mobilization for national reconstruction and economic recovery. Succeeded by UN Integrated Peace-building Office (BINUCA).
|-
| '''[[Community of Sahel-Saharan States]]''' <br>(''CEN-SAD'') || CEN-SAD || December 2001 to January 2003 || 300 || Enforce and restore peace
|-
| '''Multinational Force in the Central African Republic''' <br>(''Force multinationale en Centrafrique, FOMUC'') || [[Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa]] (CEMAC) || January 2003 to July 2008 || 380 || Ensure security; restructure FACA; and fight rebels in north-east. Replaced by MICOPAX.
|}

===Chad===
In addition to the multilateral forces, CAR has received bilateral support from other African countries, such as the Libyan and Congolese assistance to Patassé mentioned above. Bozizé is in many ways dependent on Chad's support. Chad has an interest in CAR, since it needs to ensure calmness close to its oil fields and [[Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline Project|the pipeline leading to the Cameroonian coast]], close to CAR's troubled northwest. Before seizing power, Bozizé built up his rebel force in Chad, trained and augmented by the Chadian military. Chadian President [[Idriss Déby|Déby]] assisted him actively in taking the power in March 2003 (his rebel forces included 100 Chadian soldiers). After the coup, Chad provided another 400 soldiers. Current direct support includes 150 non-FOMUC Chadian troops that patrol the border area near Goré, a contingent of soldiers in Bangui, and troops within the presidential lifeguard.<ref name="nine" /> The CEMAC Force includes 121 Chadian soldiers.

===France===
There has been an almost uninterrupted French military presence in Central African Republic since independence, regulated through agreements between the two Governments. French troops were allowed to be based in the country and to intervene in cases of destabilisation. This was particularly important during the cold war era, when Francophone Africa was regarded as a natural French sphere of influence.

Additionally, the strategic location of the country made it a more interesting location for military bases than its neighbours, and [[Bouar]] and Bangui were hence two of the most important French bases abroad.

However, in 1997, following [[Lionel Jospin]]'s expression "Neither interference nor indifference", France came to adopt new strategic principles for its presence in Africa. This included a reduced permanent presence on the continent and increased support for multilateral interventions.<ref name="five">{{cite web|url=http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/27c/377.html|title=Out of Africa? Not the French|work=hartford-hwp.com}}</ref> In Central African Republic, the Bouar base and the Béal Camp (at that time home to 1,400 French soldiers) in Bangui were shut down, as the French concentrated its African presence to [[Abidjan]], [[Dakar]], [[Djibouti]], [[Libreville]] and [[N'Djamena]] and the deployment of a ''Force d'action rapide'', based in France.<ref name="six">{{cite web| url = http://www.uca.edu.ar/esp/sec-fpoliticas/esp/docs-publicaciones/coleccion/ed-especial/02martin.pdf| title = – Guy Martin: France's African policy in transition: disengagement and redeployment, University of Virginia, 2000}}</ref>

However, due to the situation in the country, France has retained a military presence. During the mutinies, 2,400 French soldiers patrolled the streets of Bangui. Their official task was to evacuate foreign citizens, but this did not prevent direct confrontations with the mutineers (resulting in French and mutineer casualties). The level of French involvement resulted in protests among the Central African population, since many sided with the mutineers and accused France of defending a dictator against the people's will. Criticism was also heard in France, where some blamed their country for its protection of a discredited ruler, totally incapable of exerting power and managing the country.<ref name="seven">[http://www.african-geopolitics.org/show.aspx?ArticleId=3466 – Francis Laloupo: Centrafrique, un destin confisqué] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174737/http://www.african-geopolitics.org/show.aspx?ArticleId=3466 |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> After the mutinies in 1997, the MISAB became a multilateral force, but it was armed, equipped, trained and managed by France. The Chadian, Gabonese and [[Republic of the Congo|Congolese]] troops of the current ''Force multinationale en Centrafrique (FOMUC)'' mission in the country also enjoy logistical support from French soldiers.

A study carried out by the US Congressional Research Service revealed that France has again increased its arms sales to Africa, and that during the 1998–2005 period it was the leading supplier of arms to the continent.<ref name="eight">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=16055|title=– William Church: Africa: France Increases Arms Sales and Intervention, November 6, 2006|work=americanchronicle.com|access-date=June 20, 2007|archive-date=May 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070507152413/http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=16055|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Components and units==

===Air Force===
{{Main|Central African Republic Air Force}}
The [[Central African Republic Air Force|Air Force]] is almost inoperable. Lack of funding has almost grounded the air force apart from an AS 350 Ecureuil delivered in 1987. [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1]] planes from the French Air Force regularly patrolled troubled regions of the country and also participated in direct confrontations until they were withdrawn and retired in 2014.<ref name="fourteen">{{cite web| url = http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWFiles2007.nsf/FilesByRWDocUnidFilename/F7B3CC0AA2F7ADE585257273005FD542-Full_Report.pdf/$File/Full_Report.pdf| archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20070629034719/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWFiles2007.nsf/FilesByRWDocUnidFilename/F7B3CC0AA2F7ADE585257273005FD542-Full_Report.pdf/$File/Full_Report.pdf| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2007-06-29| title = – Inter-agency Mission to Birao (CAR): 16 to 23 January 2007}}</ref> According to some sources, Bozizé used the money he got from the mining concession in [[Bakouma]] to buy two old [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] helicopters from Ukraine and one [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]], built in the 1950s, from the US. In late 2019 Serbia offered two new Soko J-22 Orao attack aircraft to the CAR Air Force but it is unknown whether the orders were approved by the Air Force.<ref name="fifteen">[http://www.afriqueeducation.com/archive/sommaire/article.php?id=390&version=216 – Centrafrique: Bozizé ou la chronique d’une chute annoncée, 2004] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008044046/http://www.afriqueeducation.com/archive/sommaire/article.php?id=390&version=216 |date=October 8, 2007 }}</ref> The air force otherwise operates 7 light aircraft, including a single helicopter:

{| class="wikitable"
! Aircraft
! Type
! Versions
! In service<ref name="awst_20070115">"World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', January 15, 2007.</ref>
! Notes
|-
| [[Aermacchi AL-60]]
| Utility
| AL-60C-5 Conestoga
| 6–10
|
|-
| [[Eurocopter AS350|Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil]]
| Utility helicopter
| AS 350B
| 1
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-8|Mil Mi-8 Hip]]
| Transport helicopter
| Mi-8
| 2
| Unconfirmed
|-
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
| Transport
| C-130
| 1
| Unconfirmed 
|-
| [[L-39 Albatros]]
| Trainer
| 
| 10
|-
| [[Sukhoi Su-25]]
| Fighter
| 
| 8
|
|}

===Garde républicaine (GR)===
{{Main|Republican Guard (Central African Republic)}}
The Presidential Guard (''garde présidentielle'') or Republican Guard is officially part of FACA but it is often regarded as a separate entity under the direct command of the President. Since 2010 the Guard has received training from South Africa and Sudan, with Belgium and Germany providing support.<ref name="dcaf1">[https://issat.dcaf.ch/Learn/Resource-Library/Country-Profiles/Central-African-Republic-Background-Note#presidential Central African Republic Background Note — Security Sector Reform] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081810/https://issat.dcaf.ch/Learn/Resource-Library/Country-Profiles/Central-African-Republic-Background-Note#presidential |date=2018-03-22 }}. [[DCAF]]. 2 February 2015.</ref> GR consists of so-called patriots that fought for Bozizé when he seized power in 2003 (mainly from the Gbaya tribe), together with soldiers from Chad. They are guilty of numerous assaults on the civil population, such as terror, aggression, and sexual violence. Only a couple of months after Bozizé's seizure of power, in May 2003, taxi and truck drivers conducted a strike against these offenses.<ref name="two" /> However, post-civil leaders have been cautious in attempting to significantly reform the Republican Guard.<ref name="dcaf1" />

===New amphibious force===
Bozizé has created an [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious force]]. It is called the Second Battalion of the Ground Forces and it patrols the [[Ubangi River|Ubangi river]]. The staff of the sixth region in Bouali (mainly made up of members of the former president's lifeguard) was transferred to the city of Mongoumba, located on the river. This city had previously been plundered by forces from the MLC, that had crossed the CAR/Congo border.<ref name="sangonet">{{cite web|url=http://www.sangonet.com/ActualiteC16/2bataillons-creation_FB.html|title=Le président Bozizé crée deux nouveaux bataillons|work=sangonet.com|access-date=2007-06-20|archive-date=2007-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926225634/http://www.sangonet.com/ActualiteC16/2bataillons-creation_FB.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The riverine patrol force has approximately one hundred personnel and operates seven patrol boats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Sentinel-Security-Assessment-Central-Africa/Navy-Central-African-Republic.html|title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's – IHS|work=janes.com|access-date=2012-04-03|archive-date=2012-07-07|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707000910/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Sentinel-Security-Assessment-Central-Africa/Navy-Central-African-Republic.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Veteran soldiers===
A program for disarmament and reintegration of veteran soldiers is currently taking place. A national commission for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration was put in place in September 2004. The commission is in charge of implementing a program wherein approximately 7,500 veteran soldiers will be reintegrated in civil life and obtain education.<ref name="two" />

===Discontinued groups and units that are no longer part of FACA===

* {{Anchor|Séléka}} '''Séléka rebels''': the French document ''Spécial investigation: Centrafrique, au cœur du chaos'' envisions [[Séléka]] rebels as mercenaries under the command of the president. In the documentary the Séléka fighters seem to use a large number of [[M16 rifle]]s in their fight against the [[Anti-balaka]] forces.<ref name="thirteen">{{cite web|url=http://www.girafprod.com/portfolio/centrafrique-au-coeur-du-chaos/|title=Giraf Prod » Centrafrique, au cœur du chaos|work=Giraf Prod}}</ref>
* {{Anchor|FORSIDIR}} '''FORSIDIR:''' The presidential lifeguard, Unité de sécurité présidentielle (USP), was in March 1998 transformed into the ''Force spéciale de défense des institutions républicaines (FORSDIR)''. In contrary to the army – which consisted mainly of southerner Yakoma members and which thereby was unreliable for the northerner president – this unit consisted of northerners loyal to the president. Before eventually being dissolved in January 2000, this highly controversial group became feared for their terror and troubled Patassé's relations with important international partners, such as France. Of its 1,400 staff, 800 were subsequently reintegrated into FACA, under the command of the chief-of-staff. The remaining 400 recreated the USP (once again under the command of the chief-of-staff).<ref name="two" />
* {{Anchor|USP}} '''Unité de sécurité présidentielle (USP): ''' USP was Patassé's presidential guard before and after FORSIDIR. When he was overthrown by Bozizé in 2003, the USP was dissolved and while some of the soldiers have been absorbed by FACA, others are believed to have joined the pro-Patassé [[Democratic Front of the Central African People]] rebel group that is fighting FACA in the north of the country.<ref name="two" />
* {{Anchor|Patriots|Liberators}} '''The Patriots or Liberators: ''' Accompanied Bozizé when he seized power in March 2003. They are now a part of Bozizé's lifeguard, the Garde républicaine, together with soldiers from Chad.<ref name="two" />
* {{Anchor|OCRB}} '''Office central de répression du banditisme (OCRB):''' OCRB was a special unit within the police created to fight the looting after the army mutinies in 1996 and 1997. OCRB has committed numerous summary executions and arbitrary detentions, for which it has never been put on trial.<ref name="two" />
* {{Anchor|MLPC Militia}} '''MLPC Militia: ''' Le Mouvement de libération du peuple centrafricain (MLPC) was the armed component of former president Patassé's political party. The MPLC's militia was already active during the 1993 election, but was strengthened during the mutinies 1996 and 1997, particularly through its Karako contingent. Its core consisted of Sara people from Chad and Central African Republic, but during the mutinies it recruited many young people in Bangui.<ref name="two" />
* {{Anchor|DRC Militia}} '''DRC Militia:''' Rassemblement démocratique centrafricain (RDC) is the militia of the party of General Kolingba, who led the country during the 1980s. The RDC's militia is said to have camps in Mobaye and to have bonds with former officials of Kolingba's "cousin" [[Mobutu Sese Seko]] in DR Congo.<ref name="two" />

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* 'France donates equipment to CAR,' [[Jane's Defence Weekly]], 28 January 2004, p.&nbsp;20. First of three planned battalions of new army completed training and guaduated 15 January [2004]. See also JDW 12 November 2003.
* Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series, Volume 43 Issue 12, Pages 16909A – 16910A, Published Online: 26 January 2007: Operation Boali, French aid mission to FACA
* {{cite book |title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms |last=Berman |first=Eric G. |author2=Louisa N. Lombard |year=2008 |publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]] |location=Geneva |isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8 }}
* [https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/central-african-republic/ CIA World Factbook]
* [https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/4007.htm US Department of State – Bureau of African Affairs: Background note]
* [http://www.girafprod.com/portfolio/centrafrique-au-coeur-du-chaos/ "Spécial investigation: Centrafrique, au cœur du chaos" Giraf Prod 13 jan 2014]

{{Central African Republic topics}}
{{Military of Africa}}

{{CIA World Factbook|year=2004}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Central African Republic}}
[[Category:Government of the Central African Republic]]
[[Category:Military of the Central African Republic]]