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Central African Republic forces thwart rebel attempt to seize capital Bangui

Wednesday, 13 January 2021 2:10 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 14 January 2021 1:45 PM ]

Soldiers from the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) stand on attention on the road between Boali and Bangui, the Central African Republic (CAR), January 10, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

Armed rebel groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) have attempted to seize the capital Bangui, but saw their push thwarted by the security forces.

Prime Minister Firmin Ngrebada said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday that although the assailants were “in large numbers to take Bangui” at dawn, the security forces managed to “vigorously” push the rebels back.

Interior Minister Henri Wanzet Linguissara told AFP that two army brigades were targeted by the rebels nine and 12 kilometers from the capital.

The assaults were the first close to the capital and mark an escalation in the violence surrounding the December presidential election, in which Faustin Archange Touadera was declared winner on January 4.

“We heard gunfire from six this morning. We’re staying home – there’s panic. We’re scared of stray bullets,” said north Bangui resident.

Explosions were also heard during the clashes.

The United Nations mission in CAR said that a Rwandan peacekeeper had died in the assault.

“The attack was repelled by Blue Helmets together with the Central African forces,” the spokesman for the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission said.

A coalition of rebel groups, accused of an attempted coup after their offensive to disrupt the December 27 election, have vowed to march on Bangui.

UNHCR concerned about over 30,000 Central Africans fleeing election violence

The United Nations Refugee Agency said the people needed urgent assistance with water, shelter, health care and sanitation.

The army, supported by the armed forces of France, Russia, Rwanda and the United Nations, has been battling those seeking to derail the disputed election.

Former President Francois Bozize came to power in a coup in 2003. He was ousted by a rebellion in 2013.

Ever since, chaos and clashes over power have killed thousands of people and forced over a million from homes.

The former president stands accused of plotting a coup with the help of armed groups. He denies the allegation.

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