The Central African Republic is under tension four days before the date set by the presidential and legislative elections. For almost a week, a coalition of armed groups has been trying to prevent the referendums from being held and to advance towards the capital, Bangui. This Wednesday, December 23, in the morning, exchanges of fire were reported around Boali, a hundred kilometers from the capital.
With our special correspondent in Bangui, Florence morice
“The situation is calm in Bangui,” Minusca, a UN mission sent to the Central African Republic, said this Wednesday, December 23rd. A little more than usual besides, the traffic is modest on the main axes, because this morning rumors of an attack on the capital created panic. This reputation has since been denied. Yet we still saw residents, women with children in their arms, running in all directions, even in the center. This is a sign that concern is growing as Sunday’s vote approaches. At noon, the calm seems to have returned.
Difficult to have some collateral on the situation in Boali, located 100 kilometers north of the capital. Witnesses reported this morning the exchange of fire between the regular forces and the rebels. Armed men are still reported on the shoulder that connects to the city of Bossembélé. Many residents have fled.
A G5 meeting during the day
The situation is uncertain even in Bambari, in the east. The city was attacked on Tuesday by parts of the UPC [Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique]. This morning, La Minusca announced that “the situation is under control”. Abdulaziz Fall, spokesman for the UN force in the country, assures us that “the armed groups have been shot back in the bush” and that “civilians” are beginning to return. Sources contacted on site are less reassuring.
Elsewhere in the country, no major incidents have been reported so far. A meeting with Central African partners, gathered in G5, will take place at the end of the afternoon.
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