ReliefWeb

Situation Overview

The situation in Bangui remains tense particularly around the Beal camp, where ex-Seleka elements threaten to blow up the site if their demands are not met. On November 16, shooting erupted in the area followed by looting, leading to an intervention of international forces. In the early hours of 17 November, groups were being formed in the same areas with the set-up of roadblocks.

The ex-Seleka elements living in the camp are asking the Government to pay them each 500,000 FCFA (equivalent US$1,000) instead of 10,000 FCFA (equivalent US$19) and the set-up of a reintegration programme. The group threatened to detonate the camp if these demands were not met by 12h00 on 13 November. According to an assessment carried out by Sangaris forces, the camp has munitions and explosive devices including dynamite.

Following a meeting with the Government on 13 November, the sum of 4,5 million FCFA (equivalent of over US$8,000) was given to the group for three days. Ex-Seleka elements also gave an ultimatum of three days, ending on 17 November for the fulfilment of four major demands. These consist of: the payment of benefits covering 11 months of cantonment; relocation to another transit site; reintegration into the CAR national army (FACA) and the non-recognition of the current Minister of Defense. During a civil-military coordination meeting, it was noted that since no plan has been established to ensure security around the Beal warehouse, this area constitutes a permanent danger to the protection of civilians. These explosive devices can easily be ignited by a lit cigarette thrown around the site. The warehouse was visited by UNMAS and Sangaris forces who stated that in case of an explosion, the impact would cover an area of 400 to 800 metres from the camp. Sangaris forces await authorization from the Government to remove and destroy these explosive devices. The meeting recommended advocacy requesting the Government to find a lasting solution. Meanwhile anti-Balaka militia also threatened to attack ex-Seleka groups if they do not leave the capital city, Bangui.

The camp is approximately 800 to 900 metres from the OCHA CAR office. A decision was taken to relocate staff living at least 800 metres from the camp as a security precaution. Two hospitals are also located within this zone – the Community and Emergency hospitals.