Central African Republic: calm situation in Bangui, gunfire reported in Boali
Patrol of the Minsuca in the city of Bangui, in the Central African Republic, on December 22, 2020. AFP - ALEXIS HUGUET
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3 min
The Central African Republic is under tension, four days before the date set by the presidential and legislative elections.
For almost a week, a coalition of armed groups has been trying to prevent the polls from being held and to advance towards the capital Bangui.
This Wednesday, December 23 in the morning, exchanges of fire were reported around Boali, a hundred kilometers from the capital.
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With our special correspondent in Bangui
,
Florence Morice
"
The situation is calm in Bangui
", assures this Wednesday, December 23 at noon Minusca, the UN mission deployed in the Central African Republic.
A little more than usual besides, the traffic is timid on the main axes, because this morning, the rumor of an attack on the capital created panic.
This rumor has since been denied.
However, we still saw residents, women with children in their arms, running in all directions, including in the city center.
This is a sign that concern is mounting as Sunday's ballot approaches.
At midday, calm seems to have returned.
On the other hand, it is difficult to be certain
about the situation in Boali
, which is 100 kilometers north of the capital.
Witnesses reported this morning exchanges of fire between the regular forces and the rebels. Armed men are still reported on the axis that connects to the town of Bossembélé.
Many residents have fled.
A G5 meeting during the day
The situation is uncertain also in Bambari, in the east.
The city was attacked on Tuesday by elements of the UPC [Unit for Peace in the Central African Republic].
This morning, La Minusca announces that "
the situation is under control
".
Abdulaziz Fall, the spokesperson for the United Nations force in the country, assures us that “
the armed groups have been pushed back into the bush
” and that “
the civilians
” are starting to return.
Sources contacted on the spot are less reassuring.
Elsewhere in the country, no major incidents have been reported so far.
A meeting of Central African partners, gathered in the G5, is to take place at the end of the afternoon.
► To read also: Central African Republic: what you need to know about the crisis and its actors
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