CAR: Rebels ambush soldiers near Berberati Nov. 17-18

Event

Clashes between government troops and rebels left at least seven soldiers dead and two more wounded near Berberati, Mambere-Kadei Prefecture, overnight Nov. 17-18. The soldiers were traveling to Bangui when they were ambushed by rebels suspected to be part of Return, Reclamation, and Rehabilitation (Retour, Reclamation et Rehabilitation, 3R), a major rebel group operating in the area.

Berberati is located approximately 310 km (193 miles) west of the capital, Bangui.

Context

In late 2020, 3R joined other rebel groups in forming the Coalition of Patriots for Change (Coalition des patriotes pour le changement, CPC), an umbrella group of rebel organizations that together control much of the country's territory. The CPC was created ahead of the December 2020 presidential elections with the aim of destabilizing the government and has been accused of human rights abuses; it poses a major threat to civilians in its area of operations.

The clashes are the latest violation of an Oct. 15 unilateral ceasefire announcement by President Faustin-Archange Touadera.

Advice

Avoid travel at night and undertake all travel outside of urban centers in convoy and following a full security review of the route. Liaise with trusted sources on the status of routes before departure. Maintain regular contact with diplomatic representations.