CAR: Violent clashes in Bria August 25-26

Event

Violent clashes broke out on Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26, between the mostly Muslim Front populaire pour la renaissance de la Centrafrique (FRPC) armed group and the mostly-Christian anti-balaka militia in Bria (Center-East). According to local sources, multiple casualties were reported, but the exact number remains unknown. UN peacekeepers (MINUSCA) intervened in Bria to restore order. Further clashes are however possible in the coming days.

Context

The Central African Republic (CAR) has suffered recurrent bouts of civil conflict since December 2012 which has led to hundreds of deaths, almost 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and pushed more than 500,000 people to seek refuge in neighboring Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Chad. Clashes between various armed groups continue to be reported on a regular basis despite the June 2017 signing of a ceasefire agreement between CAR government and 13 out of the 14 rebel groups present in the country.

Numerous Western governments have issued updated travel warnings in recent months due to the current worsening security situation. On April 10, France issued a warning, advising its citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to the country. Also on April 10, the US issued a security alert urging their citizens to avoid the capital Bangui's PK5 neighborhood and 7th arrondissement. On April 12, the UK has begun advising against nonessential travel to central Bangui and against all travel to the rest of the country.

Advice

Individuals present in CAR are advised to monitor local developments, maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and remain vigilant for potential militant activity.

In general, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country for various security reasons, including the presence of armed groups and ongoing conflicts.