To properly understand the conflict in the Central African Republic that has effectively raged since its independence from France in 1960, it helps to understand that it is really only a country as defined by its borders with its neighbouring states rather than anything intrinsically 'Central African Republic.'

The Central African Republic can best be described as a failed state with decades of coups and counter coups installing then removing harsh, totalitarian regimes that only served to destroy much of the country and wreck its already weak economy and sought to only benefit the ruling classes rather than the country's citizens.

The current transitional government whilst in power, has little to no control of outlying areas particularly around Central African Republic's borders where rebel groups operate using guerrilla tactics to often terrorise local communities.

Its immense poverty and lack of infrastructure have contributed to the ongoing conflict, compounded by unrest in the neighbouring nations of Chad, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo further affecting stability in the country. More recently the violence has taken a chilling turn as members of the Lord's Resistance Army have started carrying out raids in the country.

Although a peace accord was signed in 2008, conflict has festered. This video documentary explores the conflict in the Central African Republic and its ongoing impact on people's lives there.