Religious Pluralism and Inter-Faith Relations in Central African Republic: A Survey Study

Religious pluralism in Central African Republic (CAR) is a complex phenomenon shaped by historical and contemporary factors. CAR has diverse religious communities including Christians, Muslims, indigenous beliefs, and others. Inter-faith relations are often strained due to historical conflicts but also offer opportunities for dialogue and cooperation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to randomly selected households across CAR's major cities. Data collection took place from March to June , ensuring a diverse sample that reflects the country’s religious demographics. The survey revealed that approximately 45% of respondents reported experiencing at least one inter-faith conflict in their lifetime, though this varied significantly by region and community. Notably, Christian-Muslim dialogue groups have seen significant growth over the past decade, representing a positive trend towards reconciliation. While CAR faces challenges related to religious tension, there are also signs of evolving inter-religious cooperation. The findings suggest that fostering such dialogues could contribute positively to social cohesion and peacebuilding efforts in the country. Policy makers should prioritise funding for inter-faith dialogue initiatives and community engagement programmes aimed at promoting mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities.