CAR: Suspected rebels attack UN peacekeeper convoy in Grimari, Ouaka Prefecture, Jan. 15, killing one person and injuring two

Event

Unidentified assailants attacked a convoy operated by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Grimari, Ouaka Prefecture, Jan. 15. One UN peacekeeper was killed and two others wounded in the attack. While no group has as yet claimed responsibility for the incident, authorities believe it to have been the work of rebels from the Patriots' Coalition for Change (Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement, or CPC).

Authorities will almost certainly maintain tight security across Ouaka Prefecture over the coming days. Further rebel attacks are possible.

Context

Post-election insecurity, including related opposition unrest, is likely to persist through January following the Dec. 27 legislative and presidential elections; incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera won an additional term in the polls. Touadera announced an indefinite nationwide 2000-0500 nightly curfew Jan. 7 amid increased militia activity linked to post-election political tensions. Militia groups continue to conduct attacks on government forces nationwide as rival armed factions, including the CPC, attempt to pressure the government and derail the political process. The CPC is a recently-formed coalition of six anti-Touadera rebel groups. Recurrent attacks have been reported in the Mbomou, Ouham-Pende, Ouaka, Lobaye, and Ombella-M'poko prefectures since mid-December.