The thieves.

Central African Republic's most powerful rebel groups have formed an unlikely alliance against the government.

They've captured large parts of the country and threatening to take the capital, Bangui.

Nearly a quarter of a million people have been displaced by fighting since December.

Aid agencies warn they're struggling to help those affected.

This is what you need to know about the unfolding crisis in the c.

R.

This is a country already reeling from years off war and instability.

It all started in 2013, when a coalition off mostly Muslim armed groups called the Seleka marched on Bungie President Francois Bozize, a who took power in a coup 10 years earlier, was pushed out.

The Seleka was soon accused off brutality.

Shortly after the coup, mostly Christian militia groups called anti Balaka took up arms and the country descended into civil rule.

In 2014, the United Nations peacekeeping mission, called Minusca, was formed to stop the fighting, and eventually in 2019 and elected government led by Fallston, our Corn Toward Era signed a peace deal with the armed groups.

Now, in a surprising twist, some of the rival Christian and Muslim militia now find themselves allied against this government.

Deposed former president was is a is accused off, leading them, which he denies.

Days before current president Touadera sought re election in December, the new coalition launched a military campaign vowing to block the polls.

They have now taken over much off the country.

Control over gold and diamond mines allows them to maintain fighters and stay armed.

Elections did take place after Christmas, and President Ouattara won the vote.

But it's the people off the CIA yet again, paying the price as the men with guns fight for power.

Before this latest crisis, more than a million Central Africans were displaced by years off conflict on DNA.

Now over 70,000 people have boarded canoes crossing the Alabama River, which separates the CIA and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

You put a badly pity So, yeah, control off the CIA's capital is vital.

The rebels have tried to attack it, but have been repelled by coalition off U.

N peacekeepers, Russian soldiers and mercenaries.

A swell as Rwandan troops.

So their strategy now is to block food medicine on humanitarian aid from reaching Rongji, goods are disappearing from markets and shops.

Ah, kilogram off flower now costs $100 smooth.

When I was in the c.

R.

In 2018, the government was still trying to hammer out the final details off the peace deal.

But back then, like now, it doesn't have much authority over the country.

They could not enforce the agreement, and it seems to have quickly collapsed.

This is a story many hope can change.

Ah, country with vast natural wealth like gold and diamonds, but one where the people are tormented by endless conflict.

The armed groups and foreign interests, motivated by thes resources, continue toe win the day.