The Central African Republic has been affected since Thursday by movements of large armed men. Six armed groups (MPC, 3R, FPRC, UPC, anti-balaka wing Mokom, anti-balaka wing Ndomaté) signed a joint declaration on 15 December to condemn the peace agreement. It is the “Declaration of Kamba Kota”, a town in the northwest. In another leaked unsigned document, they call themselves the “Coalition of Patriots for Change”.
as reported from Bangui, Charlotte cosset
The declaration is signed by six armed groups, probably the most powerful in the country. It was difficult, until very recently, to confirm that all these forces were involved in this alliance. Especially because the document was not signed by all managers directly but by representatives.
On the ground, Minusca certifies admixture of MPC, 3R and anti-balaka. UPC confirms its membership in this coalition and a security source testifies that some of its elements have started. The situation for the FPRC is less clear. It may be that only part of its strength is involved in coalition action.
Today, if the movements on the ground for these various armed groups are coordinated, no leader has yet been presented. The government claims that François Bozizé is at the forefront of this movement, but his party, KNK, denies these allegations. This coalition of armed groups, for certain rivals and with different interests, seems to have found common ground to achieve their goals. Some could use this opportunity to negotiate thanks to this new balance of power, others could have more complicated intentions.
The crisis is in mind but hope remains and the campaign continues
But despite the escalating violence and the rise of armed rebel groups in the direction of the capital Bangui, the UN is on course: the December 27 presidential election. No question of considering anything else, recalls Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.
Political stakeholders must resolve their differences peacefully in the interests of the Central African people, who have suffered for too long from conflict and instability in the country.
And the situation was calm yesterday in the capital. The election campaign continues modestly. At a meeting, the presidential candidate Faustin Archange Touadéra confirmed that the election would be held well on December 27 despite the ongoing security crisis. And the distribution of ballot papers began as planned.
Among the first to arrive, Abderahmane. He refuses to imagine that the scenario in 2013 repeats itself, wants to believe that in the capital at least everything will be fine
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