Non-State Groups in Central African Republic Using European, Chinese Arms

The Conflict Armament Research group reported that non-governmental groups in Central African Republic used Belgian, Czech and UK ammunition and small arms, as well as German military trucks.

MOSCOW, January 19 (Sputnik) — Non-governmental forces in Central African Republic (CAR) are using weapons and ammunition manufactured in Europe, China and Iran, among others, a report by the Conflict Armament Research group revealed.

The organization conducted research between April to September 2014 to record the non-state groups' stockpiles and sources of arms. The main target of the research was Seleka, a coalition of mainly Muslim rebel forces, who seized power in CAR in 2013.

According to the report's findings, the Seleka forces used Belgian, Czech and UK ammunition and small arms, as well as German military trucks. Those were "likely diverted from their original end users," the report stated.

Seleka also held Sudanese small arms ammunition and tactical vehicles, as well as Chinese rocket-propelled grenades.

Anti-Balaka, Christian militias who formed in the country following Seleka's rise to power and carried out attacks against Muslims, used Chinese-manufactured grenades and 12-gauge shotgun rounds made in Spain, Italy and Cameroon.

All sides in the CAR conflict were found to use Chinese and Iranian weapons and ammunition, likely re-transferred from Sudan.

CAR has been in a deep crisis since early 2013 when the primarily Muslim Seleka rebels overthrew the Christian president, Francois Bozize. Anti-Balaka forces retaliated with widespread revenge attacks against Muslims. The Central African Republic conflict has killed thousands and left almost half a million people homeless.