CAR: Clashes reported in Bangui’s PK5 district December 26

Event

According to media sources, clashes broke out in the PK5 district of the capital Bangui on Thursday, December 26. At least eleven people were reportedly killed in the exchange of fire. Details are emerging.

A heightened security presence and localised traffic disruptions are expected in the area in the coming hours. 

Context

The Central African Republic (CAR) has suffered recurrent bouts of civil conflict since December 2012, which has led to hundreds of deaths and almost 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and has pushed more than 500,000 people to seek refuge in neighbouring Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Chad. Clashes between various armed groups continue to be reported, although a peace agreement between armed groups and the government was signed on February 6.

Advice

Individuals present in CAR, particularly Bangui, are advised to monitor local developments, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and remain vigilant for potential militant activity.

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 the presence of armed groups.