CAR: UN peacekeeper killed in Bria December 4

Event

According to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), one Mauritanian peacekeeper was killed and three others were injured in an attack carried out against an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, in Bria on Monday, December 4. The Anti-Balaka armed group is suspected of being behind the attack. 

Context

Religious conflicts have led to devastating violence in CAR since December 2013. Despite a ceasefire signed by 13 rebel groups and the government in June 2017, clashes remain frequent throughout the country. The hostilities have resulted in thousands of deaths, created almost 1 million IDPs, and pushed more than 500,000 people to seek refuge in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad.

With more than 10,000 soldiers and policemen, MINUSCA is tasked with maintaining order in CAR. Fourteen MINUSCA peacekeepers have died since January 2017. 

Advice

Most Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Bangui and against all travel to the rest of the country (particularly the northern provinces of Mambéré-Kadéï and Ombella-Mpoko and the eastern provinces of Nana-Grebizi, Ouaka, Basse-Kotto, Bamingui-Bangoran, Haute-Kotto, Mbomou, Vakaga and Haut-Mboubou) due to security concerns.