CAR: Clashes break out in Bria (northeast) May 18-19

Event

Fighting between Christian anti-Balaka militias and majority-Muslim Séléka forces broke out in the northeastern town of Bria on Thursday, May 18, and continued into Friday, May 19. According to media reports, at least 36 people have been killed in the recent clashes and 29 wounded. The headquarters of a humanitarian organization was also looted during the fighting. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is attempting to restore order in the city.

Context

Violence has been escalating in the country in recent weeks. According to UN officials, between May 8 and May 18, more than 150 people were killed, including six MINUSCA peacekeepers, in the cities of Bangassou, Alinadoa, and Bria.

CAR has been plagued by conflict since March 2013, when the majority-Muslim Séléka rebels seized power, triggering reprisals by Christian anti-Balaka militias. The two groups have been involved in violent clashes for the past four years, throwing the country into chaos. Although the February 2016 election of President Faustin Archange Touadéra marked the first stage of the post-crisis transition after years of sectarian conflict, the situation remains volatile throughout the country. While mass killings have ceased and the French Sangaris operation concluded at the end of October 2016, various armed groups continue to operate in the country.

Advice

Many Western governments advise against travel to the country due to these and other security concerns. Travel should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.