Central African Republic: what is the outcome two weeks after the ceasefire?

A soldier from the Moroccan contingent of Minusca patrols Bangassou, in the Central African Republic, October 10, 2021. © Carol Valade / RFI

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1 min

President Faustin Archange Touadéra on Friday, October 15, declared a unilateral and immediate ceasefire throughout the country.

A decision unanimously welcomed by the United Nations, the ICGLR as well as most of the international partners of the Central African Republic.

But after two weeks, armed groups denounce multiple violations of the truce by loyalist forces.

The government denies and assures that the armed groups lay down their arms.

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With our correspondent in Bangui,

Carol Valade

For the government spokesperson, Serge Ghislain Djorie, the results are " 

positive

 ".

" 

Currently, the armed groups are giving up their arms and calling for the cessation of hostilities,

 " he assures us.

In its latest statement, the Unit for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) says something quite different and lists

six attacks by loyalist forces

that allegedly left 15 civilians dead, according to its own count.

The rebel group announces "from 

now on to exercise its right to self-defense

 ". 

For its part, the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) denounces a “ 

strengthening of the government's military positions

 ” and says it is “ 

ready to respond to any provocation

 ”.

" 

The cease-fire

was generally respected the first week, but the incidents resumed their usual rhythm from the following week

 ", indicates a security source.

In its weekly press conference,

Minusca

affirms that the situation " 

remains calm

 " and that " 

despite the ceasefire, the force remains on alert

 ".

The UN peacekeeping mission counts 17 incidents of abuse and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law during this week.

Armed groups are said to be as responsible as loyalist forces.

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  • Central African Republic

  • Faustin-Archange Touadéra

  • Minusca