The Central African Republic (CAR), with its rich ethnic diversity and complex history, has navigated a challenging path from pre-colonial societies to modern statehood marked by persistent instability. Pre-Colonial Societies Before European colonization, the region was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Baya, Banda, and Mandjia. These groups established intricate social structures and engaged primarily in agriculture and iron-forging. Kingdoms like Dar al Kuti played significant roles in regional politics and trade. Colonial Era European contact intensified in the late 19th century, leading to French colonization by 1903. As part of French Equatorial Africa, CAR was exploited for its natural resources, notably ivory and minerals, while local populations endured forced labor and high taxes. Independence and Political Instability CAR gained independence from France in 1960, with David Dacko as its first president. However, the post-independence period was marked by political instability, culminating in Jean-Bédel Bokassa's coup in 1966 and his subsequent dictatorial regime, which lasted until 1979.