By CISA
BANGASSOU, JANUARY 5, 2021 (CISA)-Bishop Juan-José Aguirre Muñoz of Bangassou has raised concerns on the tension in the city following attacks by suspected infamous 3R rebels (3R -Retour, Réclamation, Réhabilitation) and the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic (FPRC) rebels.
“Yes, Bangassou has fallen into the hands of the rebels, many of whom are mercenaries and people from Niger. The morning (Sunday) was hectic. There was heavy artillery from 5 am with about thirty dead and wounded,” said Bishop Muñoz.
Following the developments in the city situated in the southeastern of Central African Republic, citizens have fled the country into the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The military put up resistance for several hours but were overwhelmed,” Bishop Muñoz said concerned how the fighting caused civilians to cross the Mbomou River to seek refuge in the town of Ndu, just across the border.
“Bangassou is almost deserted now. Sunday night went fairly well. There was no shooting,” Bishop Muñoz said adding that the mercenaries and rebels had overrun the city looking for natural resources and wealth.
CAR’s December 27 election was marred by a coordinated offensive carried out by rebel groups who tried to disrupt the vote after its highest court rejected former President Francois Bozize’s candidacy
“Faustin-Archange Touadera, having received the absolute majority of the vote in the first round with 53.9%, is declared winner,” Mathias Morouba, president of the electoral commission, told a news conference in the capital, Bangui.
According to Reuters, Touadera won Central African Republic’s presidential election held December 27 by securing more than 53% of votes in the first round, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission on Monday.
