17-23 August 2015

1. Intercommunal violence in Bambari leaves at least 10 dead

"Bambari, le bilan des affrontements revu à la hausse." Radio Ndeke Luka, 22 August 2015. In French.

• Fighting broke out in the town of Bambari after a Muslim youth was killed by anti-balaka fighters. In retaliation, Muslim youths in the Bornou neighborhood killed three Christian youths, and clashes continued throughout the weekend.
• Barricades were erected by both groups throughout the town, and at least twelve people were killed in the fighting.
• MINUSCA forces attempted to calm tensions and mediate between the communities, without success.

“Centrafrique: 10 morts dans des violences intercommunautaires dans le centre.” Agence France Presse (AFP), via Centrafrique Presse Info (CPI), 21 August 2015. In French.

• Ten people were killed and at least five people injured in intercommunal violence near the town of Bambari, in central CAR.
• According to a source in the local gendarmerie, fighting broke out after a young Muslim was beaten and killed by a group of anti-balaka armed men near Bambari. This incident was followed by reprisal killings by young Muslims and ex-Seleka fighters in non-Muslim parts of town.

“Centrafrique: deux humanitaires blessés lors de violences intercommunautaires.” Agence France Presse (AFP), via ReliefWeb, 22 August 2015. In French.

• Two humanitarian workers, including a European expatriate, were injured in inter-communal violence that left at least ten people dead in Bambari.
• The humanitarians, who work with the International Committee of the Red Cross, entered Bambari to evacuate the injured and dead, but were overtaken by a group of protesters. The two were cut by knives, but their injuries were not life-threatening, according to a spokesman for the Red Cross.

2. New claims of rape by MINUSCA peacekeepers

“UN reports new allegations of sexual misconduct by peacekeepers in Central African Republic.” UN News Service, 19 August 2015. In English.

• The United Nations announced that there have been three new reports of rape – including one of a minor – committed by members of a MINUSCA military contingent in CAR.
• These allegations were revealed one week after Amnesty International reported a case of rape committed by a peacekeeping soldier in Bangui.
• The United Nations stated that they will launch an investigation into the claims, in addition to any investigation carried out by the troop-contributing country of the implicated soldiers.

“Central African Republic: New Rape Allegations Against UN Troops.” Deutche Welle, via AllAfrica, 19 August 2015. In English.

• A spokeswoman for the United Nations announced that there has been a report that three young females – including a minor – were raped by three members of a MINUSCA military contingent.
• The spokeswoman said that the rapes allegedly took place in the town of Bambari. While the UN did not announce the nationality of the accused soldiers, anonymous UN sources told Reuters that the suspects are Congolese.
• These reports come a week after the head of MINUSCA, Babacar Gaye, resigned from his post. Since its creation in April 2014, MINUSCA has received more than 60 reports of misconduct, including 13 cases of possible sexual abuse.

3. Cameroonian truck drivers go on strike due to CAR insecurity

“Fresh Rebel Activity in CAR Scares Truck Drivers.” Voice of America, 21 August 2015. In English.

• Cameroonian truck drivers have gone on strike and refuse to transport goods to the Central African Republic due to ongoing insecurity in the western part of the country. 18 truck drivers have reportedly been killed in the area while transporting goods.
• CAR depends heavily on supplies from Cameroon’s seaport, Douala, and CAR’s transport minister Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene warned that the drivers’ strike could cause a food and humanitarian crisis.
• The truck drivers have said that they will not resume work unless their safety is assured by MINUSCA and five drivers currently held hostage are released.