Feb 16 • 14:32 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

West Central African Republic: with the transhumance season, tensions between farmers and herders resurface

The transhumance season in the Central African Republic has reignited tensions between farmers and herders as they compete for dwindling resources.

In the Central African Republic, the transhumance season has begun during the dry season, leading to significant movements of cattle across paths and villages seeking pastures and water points. For herders, this movement is crucial for survival, but for many farmers, it signals the onset of anxiety and potential conflict. In Bouar, located in the Nana-Mambéré prefecture, longstanding tensions are being revived, and the situation is becoming increasingly volatile as resources become scarcer.

The current dry season emphasizes the competition for land and water, leading to numerous confrontations between farmers and herders in this western region of the country. As cows traverse agricultural land, fear of crop destruction and livestock loss has heightened friction. Local authorities are attempting to mitigate these tensions with various measures, but the ongoing struggle over limited resources continues to pose a significant challenge.

The recurring conflicts not only threaten the livelihoods of those involved but also have broader implications for community relations and security in the region. As farmers and herders navigate this challenging landscape, the situation highlights the urgent need for effective conflict resolution strategies and sustainable resource management to prevent further escalation of violence in the Central African Republic.

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