Central African Republic: tensions in the north-west of the country ahead of the elections
Child watching a Bangladeshi MINUSCA soldier in the Central African Republic (photo illustration).
AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The security climate is tense in the Central African Republic nine days before the December 27 elections.
Raids of armed men and gunfire have been reported in several towns in the northwest of the country since this morning.
A worrying situation in Bangui where security has been strengthened.
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From our special correspondent in Bangui
,
Florence Morice
It was very early this morning that the situation deteriorated in several localities in the North West.
In Bozoum, witnesses report seeing dozens of armed men arriving aboard motorcycles and 4x4 vehicles, then staying in town for a few hours before continuing their journey towards Yaloke where gunfire was reported.
As well as in Bossembele where witnesses speak of "
heavy weapons crackling
" in town.
At the end of the day, they were more distant.
The identity of these armed men is uncertain.
The priest of Bossembele speaks of a “
motley gathering
” of men speaking French, some Sango and others Arabic.
He also explains that they came to his parish to try to settle there and ask for supplies before giving up the sight of the
Minusca
helicopter
flying over the area.
No communication from the authorities
Tonight, several witnesses assure that some of these armed men are still in town, visible, while a second group has taken the road to Boali further south.
According to our information, they are not attacking the population.
The Central African authorities have made no communication on the situation.
Regional and international diplomatic actions are underway to try to calm the situation while in Bangui, the capital, security has been reinforced at several strategic points in the city.
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Central African Republic
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