CAR: The second round of the legislative vote scheduled for March 14 /update 7

Event

Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have announced plans to hold a second round of voting across the country, March 14. The runoff vote will affect constituencies that failed to elect a representative during December 2020 elections. Polling will also take place in areas where the first round of voting was disrupted by insecurity. Ahead of the poll, campaign events for the rerun of first-round elections will begin Feb. 27, with campaigns for the second round of elections starting March 6. Some opposition parties have stated that they will boycott the upcoming elections due to perceived irregular and fraudulent practices.

Ahead of the elections, the nationwide state of emergency is in place until at least July 5. The edict is in response to persisting insecurity following the December 2020 elections. Security forces are able to exercise increased powers of arrest under the state of emergency. The nationwide 1800-0500 nightly curfew remains in place indefinitely.

Ahead of the vote, security forces will remain deployed as a deterrent against unrest and to maintain security in areas where opposition demonstrations and rallies take place. Protesters have clashed with security forces in the past; attempts by security forces to disperse gatherings or prevent activists from assembling could increase the potential for security disturbances. Police may use tear gas, water cannon, batons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse protesters. Ground travel disruptions are likely near all protest sites.

Bangui
An increased security presence in Bangui has been reported since mid-December due to increased rebel activity and associated threats to the capital. Security forces could implement additional measures at any time over the duration of the state of emergency. Security protocols will probably prompt localized transport disruptions in the city. Any clashes that materialize will likely have a significant impact on persons and businesses operating in the affected area.

Context

Political tensions are currently elevated after opposition and armed rebel groups rejected the outcome of the first round of voting, with incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadera winning a second term as president. The election period has been marred by insecurity and a resurgence in rebel attacks on government positions and freight convoys traveling between neighboring states and the nation's capital, Bangui. Militia groups will likely continue their attacks on government forces nationwide as rival armed factions, including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), attempt to pressure the administration and derail the political process. CAR security forces have also continued to conduct operations across the country, recently recapturing the towns of Bossembele, Yaloke, Bossemptele, Bouar, and Beloko.

Foreign governments have maintained warnings and alerts over the current security and political situation, which remains extremely poor. The level of fighting has steadily increased in parts of the country, particularly in the northwest, despite the February 2019 signing of a peace accord between the government and 14 non-state armed groups operating in the CAR. In Bangui, the situation remains fragile and could deteriorate with little-to-no notice. Outside Bangui, militias have continued to assert control by setting up roadblocks and committing acts of violence that have exacerbated ethnic tensions. Militants control approximately two-thirds of the country.

Advice

Liaise with trusted in-country contacts and monitor the situation closely. Maintain contact with your country's diplomatic mission if operating in the CAR. Avoid all protests or areas where violence has recently occurred. Plan accordingly for ground travel or business disruptions. Do not drive through protester roadblocks. Keep away from locations where security forces appear to be deploying. Reconfirm all business appointments. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Consider postponing all travel outside the capital.