Elections in the Central African Republic: five days before the poll, the fighting resumed
A Minusca soldier photographed in the Central African Republic in July 2018. AFP Photos / Florent Vergnes
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
Since Friday, December 18, a coalition of armed groups has been on the move in the Central African Republic.
They move around the country towards the capital Bangui, creating insecurity in several regions.
After a relative lull, this Monday, December 21, the fighting resumed this Tuesday morning.
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With our correspondent in Bangui,
Charlotte Cosset
Fighting is taking place in the town of Bambari, in the center of the country, between elements of the armed group UPC [Unity for Peace in the Central African Republic] and the Central African armed forces.
Right now the situation is a bit worrying.
Sylvain Redjal general manager of Lego ti la Ouaka radio station
RFI
Skirmishes are reported about ten kilometers from the town of Sibut.
There would also be contacts on the main axis between the towns of Bossembélé and Boali, where reinforcements from armed groups would have arrived during the night.
In the town of Boali, the situation is nevertheless rather calm.
It is currently difficult to confirm this information.
The telephone signal is currently cut in the city of Bossembélé.
Reinforcements of armed men are also reported a few kilometers from Mbaiki.
Bangui objective?
After the relative calm of Monday, December 21, it seems that a new coordinated offensive is underway.
The objectives of the coalition remain uncertain: descend to Bangui or prevent the holding of the poll?
A team from the National Election Authority was directly targeted yesterday in the center of the country.
And this Tuesday morning, in Bossangoa, the anti-balaka chased away the voters who came to take their cards at the town hall with weapons, but without shooting.
Five days before the poll, the official position remains the same:
the elections will take place this Sunday, December 27.
Campaign trucks circulate in the capital.
The National Elections Authority has not yet made an official update on the situation.
► To read also: Central African Republic: Touadéra remains inflexible on the holding of the elections
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