CAR: Tensions remain high in Bangui April 16 /update 6

Event

Tensions remained high in Bangui as of Monday, April 16, following a wave of violent clashes in the city's Muslim-majority PK5 neighborhood on April 8-10. As of Sunday, April 15, many shops remained closed, and barricades remained in place in the PK5 neighborhood and the 3rd arrondissement. According to local sources, negotiations between government officials and members of ex-Seleka Muslim militias broke down on Sunday, with neither party agreeing to the other's demands. However, details concerning the current status of the negotiations remain unclear as of April 16.

A heightened security presence is expected to remain in place in Bangui in the coming days. Further clashes are also possible, notably in the PK5 district and in the vicinity of the MINUSCA headquarters and the MINUSCA base near Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF).

Context

MINUSCA launched a series of security operations in the PK5 district of Bangui on April 8-10, 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 people killed and 60 more 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 arrondissement of Bangui.

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.

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.