In March 2016 the Central African Republic (CAR) returned to democratic rule. The constitutional court formally confirmed Faustin Archange Touad\u00e9ra had won the presidential election, bringing an end to the transitional period that had begun in April 2013 after the Seleka coup.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The three years of transition marked one of the most tumultuous periods in the nation\u2019s history. Serious human rights abuses, which took on a religious dimension, were committed against the civilian population by the Seleka and anti-Balaka militias. Abduction, looting, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, sexual violence and the destruction of homes and religious buildings by both groups were commonplace. The conflict caused a major humanitarian crisis and saw the total collapse of state authority and structures. The transitional government, led by acting president Catherine Samba-Panza, was able to restore a basic level of civil administration. This facilitated the organisation of a National Dialogue in May 2015, a referendum on the national constitution in December 2015, and presidential and parliamentary elections, held between December 2015 and February 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While President Touad\u00e9ra has a strong mandate and general legitimacy among the people, his government faces significant challenges. The causes of the conflict remain unresolved and approximately two thirds of the country is still under the control of the anti-Balaka and the Seleka. Additionally, the country is still engulfed in a dire humanitarian crisis \u2013 the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that in July 2016 there were 467,796 refugees, 384,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 2.7 million people in immediate need of assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The immediate priorities for the government are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n