Abstract

Editor’s Introduction 5 It is somewhat artificial to analyse conflicts by year. that aim to oust or shape a state, or separate from Political, military and humanitarian trends rarely it, are by no means disappearing. Yet armed actors stop at the calendar mark. The logic of armed vio- pursuing narrow economic interests are today more lence unfolds according to the incentives and the prominent and the challenge they pose to govern- constraints of the actors organising it. Conflict ments is ever increasing. The conflict in the Central drivers are deeply interwoven in a country’s politi- African Republic (CAR) is a good example of these cal and socio-economic challenges, often rooted in developments, where the two factions that started historical pitfalls. the current conflict in 2013 had splintered into at An in-depth analysis of the conflicts active least 17 local militias by the end of 2018. Scattered in the past year, however, allows us to reflect on throughout the country, and collectively control- what we learned from recent events and hone our ling about 70% of its territory, few of these groups understanding of the drivers and dynamics shaping pursue a political agenda. Some still seek their ‘fair’ today’s wars.