By: Dan Krupinsky
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
BANGUI, Central African Republic – As violence continues to plague the Central African Republic, officials announced early in the week that fighters believed to be loyal to ousted President Francois Bozize killed dozens of people and displaced tens of thousands over the weekend.
The fighting was in the western region of the country, an area that has been the site of several massacres in the past few month, allegedly carried out by the Seleka coalition of fighters, who ousted Bozize in March. Since that time, Seleka leader Michel Djotodia was sworn in as president, vowing to return the country to democracy by organizing elections within a year and a half.
“The international community should keep a watchful eye on what is happening in this country, as we have just made a policy shift to pave the way for elections,” said presidential spokesman Guy Simplice Kodegue.
Kodegue put the death toll at 60, some estimates say that as many as 73 people were killed. According to the official government statement, a column of army soliders, with the support of Seleka fighters, were dispatched to the western region from Bangui to stop the assailants, who are accused of abusing civilians in the town of Bossangoa, which is located near Bozize’s home village.
According to Orongaye Rigobert, a community leader in Bossangoa, the pro-Bozize fighters had destroyed bridges used to access the town from Bangui in a bid to halt the army’s advance.
The clashes caused about 80 percent of the town’s population, some 30,000 people, to flee into the forest.
The latest fighting comes on the heels of a UN warning that the country is on the brink of collapse.
Another spokesman for the government accused Bozize of coordinating the most recent attacks, asking the international community for assistance in halting the violence and restoring order.
“It is an attempt by Bozize and his supporters to take power,” said Crepin Mboli-Goumba. “Six towns have been taken. This shows Seleka does not control the situation so we call on the international community to mobilize (peacekeepers) so they can intervene.”
According to recent estimates by UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos, who recently visited the country, about one third of the country’s 4.6 million people need assistance with food, shelter, healthcare or water.
Since coming to power, Seleka fighters have been accused by aid workers of looting the healthcare system, as well as civilians.
If the accusations are true, it would be the first large-scale operation launched by the former President’s forces since his overthrow in March.
For further information, please see:
All Africa – New Fighting Reported As Security Continues to Deteriorate – 10 September 2013
BBC – Central African Republic says scores killed in new clashes – 9 September 2013
Reuters – Death toll rises in battles in Central African Republic – 9 September 2013
Washington Post – Official: 60 killed in attacks in home region of deposed Central African Republic leader – 9 September 2013
