Comzone definition
Comzone. Economic System: ‘Comzone’ means commander of the zone who maintains few armed people under him to have control over an area. After coming into power Michel Djotodia officially entrusted comzones with administering regions of the country as a prize for their support. It also helped him to suppress his oppositions. Presently, in CAR various armed groups divided their area of control into different comzones who practice extortion, collect the illegal tax and at the same time threat the private businesses to employ them for security. For example, Kaga Bandoro is famous for its cattle market. The cattle traders have to pay 5000- 10000 CFA as a tax to the comzone on every cattle they sell. Similarly, artisan miners and diamond collectors have to pay 20,000 to 2,00,000 CFA every month to their respective comzones. Sometimes the diamond traders join the armed groups and turned into comzone. This comzone are so powerful within their area that they also act as a police force, customs and even traditional judges; anyone disobeys their verdict are brutally tortured.