The armed forces of Cameroon, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Chad play pivotal roles in the political dynamics of Central Africa, with each being shaped by unique threats and historical contexts. In Cameroon, the military has seen continued investment since the 1990s and has shown a strong regional engagement amid a rise in national and transnational threats. The CAR faces chronic instability with armed groups vying for control over resources and power, leading to continuous conflicts on the periphery and power struggles at the centre. The threat of a military coup remains high. In Chad, every president since 1975 has seized power through force, relying heavily on the military, which is characterized by internal disunity. The national army is often fragmented, while the presidential guard and intelligence services are better equipped and more cohesive. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the region’s security landscape.
