14 May 2020 | 08:21 PM UTC
CAR: Clashes erupt between rival groups near Ndélé May 12
Clashes erupt between rival armed groups near Ndélé (Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture) on May 12; similar incidents possible over the near term
Event
Clashes between rival armed groups on Tuesday, May 12, left at least six people dead near Ndélé (Bamingui-Bangoran prefecture). The violence reportedly erupted following an alleged act of robbery by militants from the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa (FPRC), comprised of mostly Runga ethnics. The robbery caused a rival group, the Patriotic Rally for the Renewal of the Central African Republic (RPRC), composed of mainly Goula ethnics, to intervene. The fighting between the two groups left at least four FPRC militants dead as well as two civilians.
A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the area over the near term; further clashes cannot be ruled out.
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 neighboring 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, 2019.
Advice
Individuals present in Ndélé 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.