CAR: Security situation deteriorates in Bangui following attack May 1 /update 8

Event

On the morning (local time) of Tuesday, May 1, unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked the Notre Dame de Fatima Catholic church in the Fatima neighborhood of Bangui, near the Muslim-majority PK5 district. According to local sources, the assailants threw a grenade into the church; leading to multiple casualties. According to unconfirmed reports, a priest was killed in the attack. Government security forces have reportedly launched an operation against Muslim self-defense militias in the PK5 district. As of Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of protesters have rallied in Bangui's streets to protest the attack.

A heightened security presence is expected in Bangui in the coming days. Clashes between security forces and Muslim self-defense militias, as well as associated protests, are likely, notably in and around the PK5 district and the 3rd arrondissement.

Context

Numerous clashes have broken out in Bangui in recent weeks, notably in the Muslim-majority PK5 neighborhood. 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 resulting 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.

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 Bangui, and CAR more generally, 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.