2014 Photo Contest, General News, 2nd prize

Chaos in Central African Republic

Photographer

William Daniels

Panos Pictures for Time

09 December, 2013

In March, an alliance of mainly Muslim rebel groups known as Séléka seized power in the Central African Republic (CAR). Hundreds were killed, and some 400,000 people displaced, as violence in the CAR escalated.

About the photographer

William Daniels

William Daniels' work revolves around social issues and humanitarian concerns, mostly in isolated or weakened communities. Past projects have focused on malaria, AIDS and tubercu...

Background story

A relative of 20-year-old Sept-Abel Sangomalet mourns his death. Members of an armed Muslim group stabbed Sangomalet while he was asleep. His body was found outside his family home.

In March, an alliance of mainly Muslim rebel groups known as Séléka seized power in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Séléka were then disbanded, but renegade groups continued to target civilians of the country’s Christian majority. Vigilante Christian militia, known as Anti-balaka, sprung up to defend their communities. Hundreds were killed, and some 400,000 people displaced, as violence in the CAR escalated. France sent 1,600 troops to the country to protect civilians and disarm the various militias, while the United Nations warned of deepening chaos and a spiral into genocide.

Technical information

Shutter Speed
1/60
Focal length
30.0 mm
F-Stop
2.8
ISO
1600
Camera
Canon EOS 5D Mark III

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