CAR: Tensions high in southeastern city of Bangassou (Mbomou prefecture)

Event

On Monday, May 15, United Nations peacekeeping forces managed to retake strategic positions of the southeastern city of Bangassou, which were lost in a series of attacks over the weekend by suspected Christian anti-Balaka rebels. Some 600 to 700 rebel fighters attacked a United Nations military base as well as the Muslim Tokoyo neighborhood on Saturday, May 13, leaving one peacekeeper dead and 25 others injured, bringing the total number of peacekeeper fatalities to six over a week of violence. An unconfirmed numbers of civilians were also killed as the rebels reportedly pillaged parts of the city and attacked Muslim residents; current reports indicate at least 30 civilian deaths. More than 3000 residents fled their homes during the attack seeking refuge in a mosque, a cathedral, and a hospital. A mosque sheltering 1000 civilians was taken hostage by the rebel group over the weekend, but the hostages were freed on Monday, May 15. All refugees were moved to a more secured location.

Tensions are currently running high and further clashes may flare up in the coming hours and days as some parts of the city remain occupied by the militia. The official leadership of the anti-balaka rebel group in Bangui denied any involvement in the attack, although UN peacekeeping forces claim to have information linking the attack to the rebel leadership. On Monday, May 15, the Muslim-based Seleka coalition member Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (Union des Forces Démocratiques pour le Rassemblement, UFDR), has threatened to launch a military operation within 48 hours if UN peacekeeping forces fail to resolve the situation in Bangassou.

Context

On Monday, May 8, four UN peacekeepers were killed in an attack by anti-Balaka elements near Yogofongo village, located near Bangassou.

CAR has been plagued by conflict since March 2013, when the majority-Muslim Seleka 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.

With more than 10,000 soldiers and policemen, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is tasked with maintaining order in CAR.

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.