The Washington Post published two opinion pieces regarding conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Central African Republic (CAR).

Washington Post: Central African Republic needs immediate help
Ban Ki-moon, U.N. secretary general

“…Like its stranded airport refugees, [CAR] is in dire need of a ticket out of its misery. … With the support of the international community, the people of the Central African Republic can build a future of reconciliation and peace. I traveled to the country on my way to Rwanda for the 20th anniversary of the genocide. Before leaving, I told the leaders of the Central African Republic that they must heed the lessons of that epic tragedy, not repeat its mistakes. … As I saw in Rwanda, communities that have gone through massive national trauma can learn to live together once more in relative harmony. … The international community has an opportunity to help — and an obligation to act. Not tomorrow — today” (4/13).

Washington Post: In the Central African Republic, the only rule is terror
Michael Gerson, columnist

“…These efforts [by the U.N., France, U.S. and the African Union] have probably reduced the scale of atrocities in CAR — better than some of the historical precedents but far short of the need. Even with an expanded force of peacekeepers, much of CAR will remain ungoverned. The interim government headed by Catherine Samba-Panza is well intentioned and completely incapable. The civil service has gone unpaid for months at a time. It will be necessary to construct the rule of law — a system of effective police and working courts — from scratch. And a locally led process of religious reconciliation between Muslims and Christians will be the basis of any progress…” (4/14).