CAR: Armed rebels kill at least 32 people in attacks on Kaita and Bayengou villages, Ouham-Pende Prefecture, Nov. 28

Event

Armed groups reportedly attacked Kaita and Bayengou villages, in Ouham-Pende Prefecture near the border with Cameroon, Nov. 28. At least 30 civilians and two members of the armed forces were killed in the attack. Authorities suspect that the 3R (Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation) rebel group perpetrated the attacks.

Kaita and Bayengou villages are located 500 km (310 miles) northwest 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 attacks 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.