 |
Country Profile for CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC |
Risk Rating |
General Information |
Country Map |
|
|
Red (High Risk)
InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice: Some parts of the country are dangerous. Travel with caution. Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice: Most parts of the country are safe. Travel freely. |
Capital: Bangui Major Languages: Sango, French Currency: Central African CFA Franc Timezone: GMT +1:00 |
|
Overview
Overview
The Central African Republic (CAR) is currently regarded as a high-risk destination for foreign nationals. The government has extremely limited control outside of the capital, Bangui, and is therefore unable to guarantee the safety of visitors. In December, 2012 a group of rebel forces calling themselves the "Seleka Coatlition" began seizing major towns throughout the country, while calling for President Francois Bozize to stand down. The coalition, comprising of the UFDR, CPJP and smaller CPSK groups, claim that Mr Bozize has reneged on the 2007 peace accord, which pledged the release of political prisoners and payments for former rebels.
Other armed militia and bandit groups operate throughout the country, while members of the Ugandan rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) are believed to maintain a presence in eastern CAR. In March, 2012 it was reported that the leader of the LRA, Joseph Kony, was operating in CAR. African Union troops, supported by US Special Operational troops, have been deployed to the area and ongoing conflict in eastern CAR is likely over the coming months. All but essential travel outside of the capital should be avoided wherever possible.
Crime levels in Bangui are high, particularly in the poorer areas of the city. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing or bag-snatching, is common in the crowded markets near KM 5 on the outskirts of Bangui. In the north and west of the country bandits, known as “zaraguinas”, are known to carry out armed robberies and kidnappings. False roadblocks are also common in rural parts of the country, notably along the border with neighbouring Chad. Corruption is also a significant problem and government officials have been known to demand bribes from foreign nationals in the past. The latest UN Office on Drugs and Crime report for Central Africa is available here.
Incidents of civil unrest occur frequently in CAR, often due to the high levels of poverty in the country. There is also a high degree of political instability in the country; government forces often clash with opposition supporters, especially around the time of elections. Francois Bozize, the current president of CAR, won the most recent elections in January, 2011 despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud.
Alerts
Alert for Central African Republic
Dozen killed in Seleka rebel attacks - 6 June 2013:
At least 12 people have been killed in attacks by Seleka rebels in and around the town of Bouca. According to local witnesses the rebels have attacked numerous villages in the Ouham prefecture over the last few days.
Seleka rebels kill 25 in village attacks - 28 May 2013:
At least 25 people have been killed in an attack by suspected members of the Seleka rebel alliance near the city of Bossangoa. A Red Cross worker said the fighters targeted residents in the village of Poulissi, including women and children, before attacking other villages in the area.
Military police clash with Seleka rebels - 21 May 2013:
At least four people have been killed during fighting between military police and Seleka rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR). The heaviest clashes took place in the town of Bimbo, while fighting was also reported in the town of Bouca located 290km north of the capital.
Seleka rebels clash with Bangui residents - 15 April 2013:
At least 17 people have been killed in clashes between Seleka rebels and local residents in the capital Bangui. The fighting is the most serious in the country since former President Francois Bozize was ousted from power last month.
Rebel leader announces post-coup government - 31 March 2013:
The self-proclaimed president of the Central African Republic (CAR) has announced a new caretaker government, in which he holds several positions. Aside from being the president, Michel Djotodia also becomes the country's defence minister. The rebel leader, who seized power in bloody coup last month, said he will run the country until elections in 2016.
African leaders refuse to recognise rebel leader as president - 4 March 2013:
Several African heads of state are refusing to recognise rebel leader Michel Djotodia as the president of the Central African Republic (CAR). Speaking at a regional summit Chadian President Idriss Deby said "as things stand now, it is impossible to recognise a self-proclaimed president".
Rebel leader suspends CAR constitution - 26 March 2013:
The leader of the Seleka rebel coalition, Michel Djotodia, has announced that he is suspending the constitution of Central African Republic and dissolving parliament. He also said he would lead the country into "free, transparent and credible elections", during which he would "legislate by decree".
Central African Republic suspended from African Union - 25 March 2013:
The African Union (AU) have suspended the Central African Republic (CAR) from all activities and ordered sanctions against the Seleka rebels, who seized the capital Bangui over the weekend. Meanwhile South African President Jacob Zuma said that at least 13 of his country's soldiers have been killed and 27 wounded in fighting with the rebels.
President Bozize flees as rebels enter capital - 24 March 2013:
The president of Central African Republic, Francois Bozize, has fled Bangui after rebel groups entered the capital. The Seleka rebels said they have taken control of the presidential palace and are planning to make a speech on national news later. Six South African soldiers were reportedly killed during clashes with rebel fighters as they entered the city.
Seleka rebels seize more CAR towns - 21 March 2013:
Seleka rebels claim to have captured two more towns in the Central African Republic as they continue the offensive to oust President Francois Bozize. The government has denied that the northern towns of Bouca and Batangafo have fallen to the rebels.
Rebels capture south-eastern town of Bangassou - 12 March 2013:
Rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) have captured the key south-eastern town of Bangassou from government forces. Earlier the rebel Seleka soldiers captured the smaller town of Gambo.
Rebels sign ceasefire after peace talks - 11 January 2013:
Rebels in the Central African Republic have signed a formal ceasefire with the government following peace talks in Gabon. The agreement, which came after three days of discussions, envisages the dissolution of the National Assembly and the formation of a new untiy government. Legislative elections are scheduled to be held in 12 months.
South Africa sends troops to aid CAR government - 07 January 2013:
Around 400 South African troops have been deployed to the Central African Republic (CAR) to assist the government in the fight against rebel groups. South Africa's president, Joseph Zuma, said the decision to send the troops were part of his country's efforts "to bring about peace and stability in the region".
Seleka rebels seize another town - 06 January 2013:
Rebels from the Seleka alliance have seized control of the town of Alindao, bringing the total of captured towns to 11. The rebels reportedly did not encounter any resistance from the Central African armed forces.
President asks for help in rebel fight - 27 December 2012:
The Central African Republic President Francois Bozize has asked France and United State for help to stop the rebel forces advancing towards the capital Bangui. The rebels say they are fighting because the government has broken promises.
Troops arrive from Chad to fight rebels - 19 December 2012:
Chad have sent 2,000 troops to the Central African Republic to assist the government in the fight against the Seleka rebel groups. The rebels took control of the city of Bria yesterday, which brings the total number of captured towns to six.
Rebel forces seize key northern towns - 11 December 2012:
Members of the Union of Democratic Forces of Unity (UFDR) have announced that they have seized the three key northern towns of Ndele, Sam Ouandja and Ouadda. A rebels spokesman told the AFP that the government failed to uphold the amnesty agreement from a 2007 peace deal.
LRA rebels capture dozens in LRA raids - 03 September 2012:
Rebels from the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) are accused of kidnapping 55 people in a raid on two villages in eastern Central African Republic. A local gendarme said that 41 people were abducted from Balifondo and a further 14 taken from nearby Zobe Mbari.
Villages attacked in Central African Republic - 22 May 2012:
Assailants suspected to be from Chad have attacked two villages in the Batangafo region of Central African Republic. At least three people were killed when the attackers burnt down the villages of Bafondo and Gofo.
LRA commander captured in CAR - 13 May 2012:
A senior commander in the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has been captured by Ugandan troops in the Central African Republic. Caesar Achellam, who is reported to be the fourth highest LRA commander under Joseph Kony, was captured with his and young daughter.
Fighting reported between rebels and CAR soldiers - 12 April 2011:
Fighting between rebels and Central African Republic soldiers has been reported near the village of Sissikebe. According to Abdoulaye Hissene, leader of the rebel group the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP), his troops were attacked by members of the government-allied UFDR and FACA.
Presidential election results expected on 28 January - 27 January 2011:
Provisional results of the countries presidential elections are expected to be announced tomorrow. Three of the five candidates have described the vote as a "masquerade" amid claims of corruption and fraud.
Unrest reported ahead of presidential elections - 17 January 2011:
There are reports of civil unrest in the capital, Bangui, in the lead up to presidential elections scheduled to be held on 23 January. The elections have already been delayed twice due to rebel activity and organisational problems.
Rebels control town after battle with government forces - 25 November 2010:
A group of CAR rebels have taken control of the town of Birao in the north-east of the country following a deadly battle with government forces. The Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) killed at least four government troops and are reported to have taken an unknown number hostage. The CAR government has claimed that the CPJP were assisted by other rebel groups from neighbouring Chad.
Rebels kidnap 21 census agents - 31 October 2010:
Members of the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) have kidnapped 21 census agents near Birao, in the north-east of the country.
Data
Central African Republic Data Sheet
Population: 4,4 million
Major Religion/s: : Christianity, Islam
International dialling code: +236
International dialling prefix: 19
Emergency services: Police 611253, Medical 610600, Fire 118
Drives: Right
Voltage: 220V
Climate: Tropical
Other Major Cities: Bimbo, Berberati, Carnot
Borders: Chad, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon
Mobile Networks:
For more information visit:
Orange:
Vodafone:
O2:
http://www.o2international.co.uk/
T-Mobile:
Journalists Under Attack
Journalists Under Attack
- 07 Jan 2013 Community radio journalist killed in Bambari
Media Safety
Media Safety
- 07 Jan 2013 Community radio journalist killed in Bambari
In January 2013 various media outlets reported that Elisabeth Blanche Olofio, from Radio Be ...