CAR: Authorities extend nationwide state of emergency until at least July 5 due to persistent insecurity /update 6

Event

Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have extended their existing nationwide state of emergency for at least six months, keeping the measure in force until at least July 5. The edict is in response to persisting insecurity following the country's December 2020 elections. Security forces are able to exercise increased powers of arrest under the state of emergency. The nationwide 1800-0500 nightly curfew remains in place indefinitely.

The extension also follows rebel attacks on government positions and freight convoys traveling between neighboring states and the nation's capital Bangui. Militia groups will likely continue their attacks on government forces nationwide as rival armed factions, including the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), attempt to pressure the administration and derail the post-election political process. CAR security forces have also continued to conduct operations across the country, recently recapturing the towns of Bossembele, Yaloke, Bossemptele, and Bouar.

Opposition political groups have called for the annulment of the Dec. 27 election results, claiming various electoral irregularities. Security forces will probably remain deployed as a deterrent in major urban centers and areas where opposition demonstrations and rallies take place. Protesters have clashed with security forces in the past; attempts by security forces to disperse gatherings or prevent activists from assembling could increase the potential for security disturbances. Police may use tear gas, water cannon, batons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse protesters. Ground travel disruptions are likely near all protest sites.

Bangui
An increased security presence in Bangui has been reported since mid-December due to increased rebel activity and associated threats to the capital. Security forces could implement additional measures at any time over the duration of the state of emergency. Security protocols will probably prompt localized transport disruptions in the city. Any clashes that materialize will likely have a significant impact on persons and businesses operating in the affected area.

Context

Political tensions are currently elevated after opposition groups rejected the outcome of the elections after the electoral commission's Jan. 4 announcement that incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadera had won a new term as president. Foreign governments have issued warnings and alerts over the current security and political situation, which remains extremely poor. The level of fighting has steadily increased in parts of the country, particularly in the northwest, despite the February 2019 signing of a peace accord between the government and 14 non-state armed groups operating in the CAR. In Bangui, the situation remains fragile and could deteriorate with little-to-no notice. Outside Bangui, militias have continued to assert control by setting up roadblocks and committing acts of violence that have exacerbated ethnic tensions. Militants control approximately two-thirds of the country.

The relationship between opposition leaders and rival militia groups is unclear; however, authorities have accused former President Francois Bozize of allying himself with armed groups and fomenting a plan to destabilize the country. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Bangui opened a judicial investigation against Bozize Jan. 4 for his alleged involvement in the ongoing instability.

Advice

Liaise with trusted in-country contacts and monitor the situation closely. Maintain contact with your country's diplomatic mission if operating in the CAR. Avoid all protests or areas where violence has recently occurred. Plan accordingly for ground travel or business disruptions. Do not drive through protester roadblocks. Keep away from locations where security forces appear to be deploying. Reconfirm all business appointments. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Consider postponing all travel outside the capital.