SELEKA Meaning and
Definition
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Seleka:
Seleka is a term that refers to a political and military coalition in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Seleka coalition emerged in December 2012, primarily composed of predominantly Muslim rebel groups that were dissatisfied with the government and accused it of marginalizing minority groups. The name "Seleka" translates to "coalition" or "alliance" in the Sango language, which is widely spoken in CAR.
The Seleka coalition played a significant role in the armed conflict and political instability that plagued the Central African Republic. Their overthrow of President François Bozizé in 2013 led to a power vacuum and triggered a series of violent clashes between Seleka and various anti-balaka militias, primarily composed of Christian fighters. These clashes resulted in widespread human rights abuses, displacement of civilians, and a deepening sectarian divide in the country.
The Seleka coalition was formally disbanded in September 2013, following international pressure and negotiations. However, remnants of the group continued to engage in criminal activities and violence, contributing to the ongoing instability in the country.
The term "Seleka" is primarily used in the specific context of the Central African Republic and refers to the coalition of rebel groups that emerged in 2012. It signifies a political and military alliance that sought to challenge the existing government and assert its influence and power in the country.
Etymology of SELEKA
The word "Seleka" has its origins in the Sango language, which is a creole language spoken in the Central African Republic (CAR). In Sango, "seleka" means "coalition" or "alliance". The term became prominent with the creation of the rebel coalition called "Séléka" in 2012, which sought to overthrow the government of CAR at that time. Since then, "Seleka" has gained widespread recognition as an entity involved in the CAR conflict, and the term is now often used to refer to the armed group or the political alliance.
