Central African Republic: Peace is expensive

A joint MINUSCA and Sangaris intervention stopped ex-Seleka rebel militia from advancing to the capital, Bangui. The chaotic security and political atmosphere that is on the rise in the Central African Republic has clouded the end of the transition period and return to peace, harmony and national concord in the country whose foundation is largely on shaky grounds. Immediately after the President of the National Elections Authority (ANE), Dieudonné Kombo Yaya submitted his resignation letter on October 10, 2015, the joint UN peacekeeping force (MINUSCA) and French force Sangaris launched a stiff combat against a faction of the ex-Seleka rebel militia whose ambition was to advance and capture the capital Bangui.

Dieudonné Kombo Yaya explained that his resignation was caused by pressure from the presidency and international community to organize elections before the end of 2015, while part of the country’s political class is not ready due to financial and security reasons. Indeed, the referendum to vote the new constitution initially planned for October 4, 2015 failed and there is every indication that the presidential and legislative elections slated for October 18 will not take place. 

As at moment, no new electoral calendar has been disclosed. The fighting pitting the joint MINUSCA and Sangaris forces against ex-Selaka FPRC rebel forces near Sibut some 180 kilometres north of Bangui had reportedly ended. A military source said the situation was under the control of the international forces, though sporadic gunfire was heard on Sunday.

The ex-Seleka rebel force had been stationed in Kaga Bandoro for months, probably mobilizing to move and capture Bangui. After being intercepted, the rebels retreated to their base. Colonel Gilles Jaron, spokesperson of the French force Sangaris hinted that the UN forces MINUSCA had requested the assistance of the French force and the force used combat helicopters to fight back the rebels. The fighting scared local residents of Sibut who escaped into the bushes and only started going back to their homes on Sunday. Last weekend’s sad incident came to add to the insecurity caused by the clashes in Bangui in September.