14 Jun 2019 | 08:48 PM UTC
CAR: Opposition coalition to hold rally in Bangui June 15
E Zingo Biani (EBI) opposition coalition to hold rally in Bangui June 15; avoid vicinity of UCATEX stadium amid heightened tensions
Event
The E Zingo Biani (EBI) opposition coalition is slated to stage a political rally in Bangui on Saturday, June 15, to denounce the February 2019 peace deal between the government and rebel groups. The gathering is scheduled to be held at the UCATEX stadium from 14:00 (local time).
A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of the political rally. Clashes between political supporters and police cannot be ruled out.
Context
The Central African Republic (CAR) has suffered recurrent bouts of civil conflict since December 2012, which has led to hundreds of deaths, almost 650,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and forced more than 550,000 people to seek refuge in neighboring Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Chad. The government and 14 rebel groups signed a peace agreement in February 2019; it is the eighth such agreement since 2012.
Advice
Individuals present in Bangui are advised to monitor local developments, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.
In general, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to most of the east of the country for various security reasons, including due to the presence of armed groups.
