Central African Republic: violent clashes in Ndélé

The prefectural hospital of Ndélé, in the north of the Central African Republic. (Drawing). RFI / Pierre Pinto

Text by: RFI Follow

After a few days of calm in Ndélé, violent clashes took place in the streets of the city early Wednesday morning March 11. These clashes have claimed many victims and provisional assessments range from 13 to 20 dead according to sources. Clashes that occurred the day after a joint assessment of the situation carried out between the United Nations, the African Union, the Central African government and a representative of the armed group of the FPRC.

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The fighting started around 5 a.m. and lasted more than three hours. They " were of a rare violence and made many victims among the civilians ", assures the Central African Red Cross. A provisional assessment reports at least 13 people killed, according to Minusca. Other sources speak of 20 dead, including seven combatants, while the wounded number in the tens.

The police station, the gendarmerie, part of the Ndélé market and many houses were set on fire. Finally, the number of displaced people has doubled, from 1,500 to 3,000 people, according to Minusca. The displaced found refuge near the military base of the United Nations Mission in Ndélé, where the peacekeepers provide their protection.

" Terrorized " population

The attackers were repelled, according to one of the two parties, or withdrew according to the other. The situation had returned to calm by midday. A very precarious calm. Humanitarian sources speak of a " terrorized " population.

The Minusca spokesman condemned an attack launched by the Goula branch of the FPRC on Wednesday evening and " warns " this faction after " this morning's violence with civilians who were targeted and killed ". " La Minusca will assume its responsibilities ", warned Vladimir Monteiro, while calling on the two parties to " adhere to the protocol for crisis resolution through dialogue proposed by the guarantors and facilitators of the peace agreement for the Central African Republic ", signed a little over a year ago in Bangui.

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  • Central africa
  • Minusca
  • Social issues
  • Refugees

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