By RFIPalled on 16-01-2019Modified on 16-01-2019 at 23:22
The FPRC fighters, a Central African armed group from the former Seleka, who had occupied Bakouma for two weeks, left the city with arms and luggage.
The fighters of the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) began their withdrawal from Bakuma in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. " The last convoy left the city at the major uranium deposits at 5am ," said armed group spokesman Aboubakar Sidick Ali.
Then the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and the Blue Helmets of Monusco, which have their base about ten kilometers, made their entry into the city later in the day. " No shots were fired, " according to ex-Seleka and the local administration.
The spokesperson of the FPRC assures that it is their leader Noureddine Adam who ordered this withdrawal " to answer the concerns of the international community and not to compromise the initiative of peace in progress ".
The United Nations and the African Union had strongly denounced an attack on Bakouma organized while two of their highest officials were at this time official visit in the country and a date and a place - January 24 in Khartoum - were finally set for early negotiations between the government and the armed gangs .
The African organization has put a lot of pressure " to make a gesture of goodwill, it's done! "Conceded an official of the FPRC.
The préfet of Mbomou, on which Bakouma administratively depends, was pleased with this withdrawal. " This is very good news for its inhabitants who are suffering enormously today, " explains Pierrette Bengere. An allusion to the 12,000 inhabitants who had fled the city as soon as it had fallen into the hands of the ex-Seleka.
On the same subject
RCA: Arm wrestling between former Seleka and the government before negotiations
RCA: Minusca pressure on the rebels of the FPRC in Bakouma
RCA: French Mirage 2000 support Minusca in Bambari revival
RCA: start of government-armed group talks on January 24 in Khartoum
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