The Central African Republic (CAR), a resource-rich country with 623,000 square kilometers for just 4.5 million inhabitants, has a philosophy called “Zo kwe zo.” Meaning “Every human is sacred,” this culture of tolerance can be traced back to the father of Central African independence, Barthélemy Boganda. Yet through the non-respect of people’s rights and non-accountability of governors, the “Zo kwe zo” spirit has been disappearing over time.
Since independence, instability has lasted over 60 years, and inter-community conflicts have become the norm. Rebels have settled in the territory, killing and looting from the population. Poor governance, weak republic institutions, and the lack of education, healthcare, and work opportunities for young people make the CAR one of the world’s poorest countries. It cannot guarantee its sovereignty vis-à-vis its people and the world.
I’ve lived this situation every day from the cradle. My father is an old man in his sixties, and I am a man in his thirties. This gives me the legitimacy to speak about my country’s history and contribute to improving my people’s living conditions.
Thousands from my generation question the feeling of belonging and love for their country. They get absorbed in the rebellion and become products of violent extremism. Poor people often enlist to make money. Some are successful, but most die.
Still, I am proud of being born in the CAR. In my many trips to provinces with disadvantaged people as a journalist and activist, I learned to listen to people talk about their experiences. It helped me realize that the country has everything it needs to make people happy, and the lack of leadership is the reason we’re on the wrong track.
Succeeding in the CAR should not be a utopian dream. Young people now account for more than 75% of the population. We can break away from bad governance by offering all citizens, especially the youth and young girls, equal opportunity through job training. But this is not possible without respect for human rights.
I am obsessed with this dream of ending the social divide in my country. The evil industry must stop functioning, or there will be no peace or coexistence, and humanity will no longer have meaning. I remain optimistic and firmly believe in this change, which I would like to lead and give the shape I want. I will survive in this violent country to realize my dream.
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