The Anti-balaka (anti-machete) is an alliance[citation needed] of militia groups based in the Central African Republic in the early 21st century said by the Guardian to be composed primarily of Christians, but also some Muslims.

[4] The Tony Blair Faith Foundation and journalist Andrew Katz have noted that animists also participate in Anti-balaka groups.

[5][6] This militia[clarification needed] formed in the Central African Republic after the rise to power of Michel Djotodia in 2013.

[7] Amnesty International reported in 2015 that some members of anti-balaka groups had forcibly converted Muslims to Christianity.

[7] Unable to provide security throughout the remote areas of the country, President François Bozizé organized, self-protection groups in 2009 to combat crime on the village level; these took the name Antibalaka.

[5] In March 2013, President Bozizé (a Christian) was overthrown by a coup during the Central African Republic Civil War by a mostly Muslim rebel coalition known as Séléka.

[19] On 2 December 2013, anti-balaka militiamen are suspected to have killed 12 people, including children, and wounded 30 others in an attack on the mostly-Muslim Fula in Boali, according to the government.

Early 2014 marked a turning point; hardened by war and massacres, the anti-balaka committed multiple atrocities.