BANGUI, Central African Republic — On Monday, a rebel faction conducted an attack in the Central African Republic, resulting in the deaths of at least five soldiers, as reported by an army official and a city councilor who preferred to remain anonymous due to restrictions on public statements.
The incident took place early in the morning at a military post located in the village of Kouki, situated in the northwestern Ouham prefecture. Barthelemy Wilikon, the prefect, provided details stating that several soldiers sustained severe injuries from the assault carried out by the Coalition of Patriots for Change, a rebel group opposing the government.
Since 2013, the Central African Republic has been embroiled in conflict following the takeover by primarily Muslim rebels which ousted then-president François Bozizé. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2019, it only minimally reduced violence, and of the 14 armed factions that initially signed the accord, six subsequently withdrew.
The Coalition of Patriots for Change emerged in 2020 as a consequence of the unrest following the peace deal. In the aftermath of the recent attack, residents of Kouki expressed their shock and dismay. Local shopkeeper Robert Kpawirena remarked on the military’s supposed role in securing the village, yet noted that the rebels were still able to carry out their assault. He conveyed concern about the implications for local businesses, indicating, “Even if we are not directly affected, we fear being caught in the crossfire.”
Despite its rich resources, including gold and diamonds, the Central African Republic languishes as one of the world’s poorest nations. Over the past ten years, various rebel groups have operated largely without repercussions, negatively impacting foreign mining endeavors.
The presence of Russian-backed Wagner mercenaries, an initial response to combat the rebels and restore order, has drawn scrutiny due to allegations of human rights abuses and their role in supporting the military administration of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who has been in power since 2016.
