Rethinking Regional Security in Central Africa: The Case of the Central African Republic

Abstract The Central African region remains one of the most chaotic parts of Africa. Countries in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) region have taken steps to address the security crisis regionally. Although the regional security mechanisms put in place have been tested significantly only in the Central African Republic (CAR), they have failed to deliver security and address the growing humanitarian crisis in this country. The approach adopted has been statist, focusing on the state apparatus and the interests of its managers over those of the economic classes and civil society. This case study uses a qualitative research strategy. Data for the study was obtained from secondary sources via desk research. Focusing on the core issues of societal security in the CAR, the study demonstrates that continued reliance on the statist approach explains why ECCAS has not been successful in addressing the crisis. It is recommended that efforts focus on developing resilient social structures.