CAR: Deadly clashes in Bangui’s PK5 district July 10-11

Event

Clashes broke out between local self-defense groups in the PK5 district of the capital Bangui overnight July 10-11. At least four people were killed, and some 26 others injured in the exchange of fire. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has been deployed in the area to stop the violence. Tensions remain high as of Friday, July 12, in the area and further clashes are possible.

Context

The Central African Republic (CAR) has suffered recurrent bouts of civil conflict since December 2012, which has led to hundreds of deaths and almost 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and has pushed more than 500,000 people to seek refuge in neighbouring Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Chad. Clashes between various armed groups continue to be reported, although a peace agreement between armed groups and the government was signed on February 6.

Advice

Individuals present in CAR, particularly Bangui, are advised to monitor local developments, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and remain vigilant for potential militant activity.

In general, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to most of the east of the country for various security reasons, including the presence of armed groups.