Central African Republic - They Say, We Say...

Other countries say...

"Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization, with GDP growth at only 0.5% in 2004 and 2.5% in 2005. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs." CIA World Factbook

"Although peaceful elections were carried out in May 2005, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside Bangui following the 2003 coup d’etat. If you must travel outside Bangui we strongly recommend that you check first on the current situation in the areas through which you plan to travel, with your local contacts, the local authorities and diplomatic missions.

"The north of the country, especially the areas bordering Cameroon and Chad, is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. Armed gangs have ambushed and attacked villages for the purpose of robbery and kidnap for ransom. Road convoys have not been exempt from these attacks. The instability in this region has intensified in the first quarter of 2006 and appears to be spreading further south than in the past; the Mayor of Bossangoa was killed in one of these attacks in mid-March 2006. It is no longer safe to travel by any of the road routes between CAR and Cameroon without a military/police escort. CAR closed its border with Sudan in April 06." UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

CAR says...

"We believe that the international community will have more confidence in our country now that we have a democratically-elected president "Francois Bozize, President of CAR.