CAR: Tensions remain high nationwide April 18 /update 7

Event

Tensions remain high in the Central African Republic (CAR) as of Wednesday, April 18, following a wave of violent clashes in Bangui's Muslim-majority PK5 district on April 8-10. At approximately 22:00 (local time) on Tuesday, April 17, suspected members of ex-Seleka Muslim militias attacked a Central African Armed Forces (FACA) checkpoint near the PK5 district in Bangui, severely wounding at least one soldier. At 14:00 on Wednesday, violent clashes between ex-Seleka and Christian anti-Balaka militias were reported in Bangui's Boulata neighborhood near M'Poko International Airport (BGF). Details regarding the clashes are still emerging.

In addition, ex-Seleka militias, including the FPRC (Front populaire pour la renaissance en Centrafrique) and the MPC (Mouvement patriotique pour la Centrafrique) have reportedly deployed large numbers of fighters to Kaga-Bandoro (Nana-Grébizi prefecture), a town located 245 km (150 mi) north of Bangui. According to local sources, the militias have called for additional fighters to join them in Kaga-Bandoro, leading to fears of a potential offensive on Bangui. MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) officials have renewed calls for dialogue between the government and ex-Seleka militias following the reported breakdown of negotiations on Sunday, April 15. However, details concerning the current status of negotiations remain unclear as of April 18.

A heightened security presence is expected to remain in place in Bangui in the coming days. Further clashes are likely, notably in and around the PK5 district and the 3rd arrondissement.

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 wounded. 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. Red Cross officials in CAR have expressed concern over the number of injured people admitted to hospitals in Bangui; according to health officials, the city's hospitals are over capacity, and medical workers are facing shortages.

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.