CAR: Violent clashes in Batangafo October 31

Event

Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday, October 31, between unidentified armed groups in the town of Batangafo (north). According to local NGO sources, three IDP (internally displaced persons) camps were burned down, along with several houses and the central market. The fighting prompted more than 10,000 people to seek refuge at the local hospital, while hundred others fled into the bush. At least 20 people were wounded and one person died. As of November 2, the security situation remains tense in the area, where the humanitarian situation is reportedly becoming increasingly worrying. Further clashes are 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 and almost 700,000 IDPs, and has 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 the CAR government and rebel groups present in 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.