CAR: Tensions mounting nationwide as of April 12 /update 5

Event

Tensions remain high throughout the Central African Republic (CAR) as of Thursday, April 12, following a wave of violent clashes in the Muslim-majority PK5 neighborhood of Bangui. Protests erupted on Thursday in Bria (Haute-Kotto), N'Délé (Bamingui-Bangoran), Bambari (Ouaka), and Kaga-Bandoro (Nana-Grébizi), with protesters erecting barricades near government buildings and around Muslim-majority neighborhoods. Protesters reportedly occupied parts of Bria Airport (BIV), burning tires on the runway. According to local sources, ex-Seleka Muslim militias, including the FPRC (Front populaire pour la renaissance en Centrafrique), have called for general strikes (journées villes mortes) to take place in Bria, N'Délé, and Kaga-Bandoro. According to a UN spokesperson, MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) has canceled all UN flights to Bria, Bambari, Birao, and N'Délé, citing security concerns.

Numerous Western governments have issued travel advisories following the deterioration of the security situation in CAR. On April 10, French diplomatic authorities issued a new travel advisory for CAR, advising their citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to the country. Also on April 10, US diplomatic authorities issued a security alert urging their citizens to avoid the PK5 neighborhood and the 7th arrondissement of Bangui. On April 12, the UK issued a travel advisory, advising against all nonessential travel to central Bangui, and against all travel to the rest of CAR.

Further clashes are possible in the coming days in Bangui, notably in the PK5 district and in the vicinity of the MINUSCA headquarters and the MINUSCA base near Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF). Associated protests are likely throughout CAR.

Context

MINUSCA has launched a series of security operations in recent days in the PK5 district of Bangui, targeting Muslim self-defense militias at the request of local residents following reports of violence and extortion. On April 8, unidentified gunmen attacked a MINUSCA base in Bangui; clashes between the gunmen and UN peacekeepers lasted several hours and resulted in two killed and 60 injured. On April 10, at least 21 people were killed in clashes between UN peacekeepers and Muslim self-defense groups in the PK5 neighborhood and the 3rd borough of Bangui. Also on April 10, prisoners at the Ngaragba prison in Bangui staged a mutiny, resulting in the death of at least two inmates.

Bangui has been regularly affected by deadly clashes between the Christian Anti-Balaka group and ex-Seleka Muslim militias, particularly in the PK5 district, which has long been a hotspot of ethnic violence. Tensions have increased since mid-January following the decision of local businessmen to stop paying self-defense militias that had been providing "protection" since 2014; they also filed a number of complaints against the groups and demanded that their bases in the PK5 neighborhood be dismantled by the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA.

Advice

Individuals present in CAR are advised to monitor local developments and maintain a high degree of situational awareness. Avoid all demonstrations or other public gatherings and be prepared to shelter in place (stock up on food, water, and other necessities) in the event of a sudden deterioration in the local security situation.

More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country for various security reasons, including the presence of armed groups and ongoing conflicts.