Military of the Central African Republic

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The military of the Central African Republic (Forces armées centrafricaines or FACA), currently numbers at approximately 2,000, and military expenditures amount to 1.1% of the GDP of that nation.

Under military restructuring plans formulated 1999-2000, the civilian Minister of Defense controlled and directed all armed forces, including the Presidential Security Unit (UPS), which had previously been seen as a militia supporting the president. In April 2001, the C.A.R. armed forces numbered about 3,000, including army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, national police, Presidential Security Unit, and local police personnel. An estimated 1,200 members of the army and gendarmerie fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the failed coup attempt of May 2001.

Following the 2003 coup, Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CAEMC-Communauté Économique et Monétaire de l'Afrique Centrale) and C.A.R. armed forces assumed responsibility for securing the capital city. CEMAC forces currently total approximately 400 soldiers, which are supported by an additional 200 French soldiers. The C.A.R. armed forces number approximately 2,000. Working with the French, the C.A.R. military is attempting to provide professional training and decentralize its troops in an effort to combat road bandits, thievery, and poaching throughout the C.A.R. territory.

Military branches: Central African Armed Forces (FACA): Republican Guard, Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force

Military manpower - availability:
males aged 15-49: 878,980 (2004 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males aged 15-49: 460,469 (2004 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $15.5 million (2005)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1% (2005)