Central African Republic: Towns Retaken by Government-allied Forces (September 2013)

There are newer maps of this conflict available. To see them, view all Central African Republic articles on PolGeoNow. 

Counter-rebels briefly captured at least one Central African Republic town in September (click for full map and article). Map by Evan Centanni from this map by Wikimedia user Keitsist. License: CC BY-SA

Territory Nominally Reunited
Two weeks ago, Political Geography Now reported on rebel control in the Central African Republic's new counter-rebellion. Since then, the towns of Bouca and Bossangoa have reportedly both been recaptured by forces belonging to Séléka, the former rebel coalition whose leader is now the president of the Central African Republic.

However, as outrage grows over vicious violence against civilians which has continued since Séléka's campaign to take over the Central African Republic earlier this year, the new President Michel Djotodia has little actual control over the country.

One another analyst says that "law and order stops outside the presidential palace" in Bangui, and the AFP reported earlier this month that "A large number of [Séléka] fighters answer only to their direct leaders, who have carved out personal fiefdoms in the wake of the rebellion". This raises serious questions regarding President Djotodia's claims that he is now dissolving and outlawing the Séléka organization.

More information: Rebel Control Map: Central African Republic's Counter-Rebellion

To see Séléka's rise to power illustrated in rebel-control maps, view all Central African Republic articles.

Bangsamoro Republik? Philippine Separatists Seize Territory (map)

Zamboanga City in the southwestern Philippines came under rebel attack last week, with insurgents seizing and occupying several neighborhoods. Because the fighters are from a rebel group that declared independence in August, their newfound territorial control might technically be considered the birth of a new breakaway state. Details and discussion below!

Claims and territorial control of the MNLF rebels/Bangsamoro Republik. Map by Evan Centanni.

Rebel Control Map: Central African Republic's Counter-Rebellion (September 2013)

Little sooner than Séléka rebel leader was sworn in as president, a new counter-rebellion has sprung up in the Central African Republic. Map by Evan Centanni from this map by Wikimedia user Keitsist. License: CC BY-SA

Previously: Séléka Coalition Takes Control of Central African Republic (Map of Rebel Advance)

Rebellion and Counter-Rebellion
Starting last December, a rebel coalition called Séléka swept across the Central African Republic from the north, capturing much of the country by January (see our first map of rebel control in the CAR). After a short-lived attempt at peace, Séléka renewed its campaign, capturing the capital and forcing President François Bozizé to flee the country. Rebel leader Michel Djotodia declared himself president, and Séléka has remained the major power in the country despite outbreaks of violence and general chaos.

Lies Your World Map Told You: 5 Ways You're Being Misled

Unfortunately, most world political maps aren't telling you the whole story. The idea that Earth's land is cleanly divvied up into nation-states - one country for each of the world's peoples - is more an imaginative ideal than a reality. Read on to learn about five ways your map is lying to you about borders, territories, and even the roster of the world's countries.

The lines and coloring on this map are hiding major truths about the world's countries.
(Source: U.S. CIA; public domain)