1,417 Central Africans Fleeing Violence Find Refuge in Bosobolo
Since late December, over a thousand Central Africans have been fleeing the atrocities between the Seleka rebellion and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA). The administrator of the Bosobolo territory, Isaac Pelendo, has reported a massive influx of 1,417 Central Africans into two groupings in the Bandas sector.
According to Pelendo, the clashes between the Central African army and the Seleka rebels are the root cause of this influx of Central Africans from the sub-prefecture of Ndjoku seeking refuge in the Bandas sector. “I confirm the arrival of Central Africans from the sub-prefecture of Ndjoku in the CAR who have settled in the Gobu grouping in the DRC as well as in the Togbo grouping,” stated Pelendo.
Recent violent clashes between the Central African army and the Seleka rebels resulted in the death of the Seleka rebel leader at the hands of the Central African armed forces. This, in turn, led to a rebellion by the rebels who sought vengeance for their fallen leader on January 1st.
In response to the escalating situation, Pelendo has called for vigilance and the intervention of the FARDC along the Ubangi River where the Central Africans are seeking refuge. “In such circumstances, vigilance is crucial for the local population. It is also essential to enhance border security where Central Africans are crossing into Congolese territory. The FARDC must intervene until the situation is under control,” urged Pelendo.
**Witness Accounts and Context**
Pelendo explained that the violent clashes between the Central African army and the Seleka rebels forced the local population in the sub-prefecture of Ndjoku to flee across the Ubangi River to seek safety in six localities within the Gobu and Togbo groupings.
**Expert Commentary and Border Situation**
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR) share a long border, particularly in the North Ubangi province. The porous nature of this border has been a concern due to the continuous influx of Central African refugees since 2015, with over 115,000 refugees currently residing in North Ubangi as a result of the ongoing conflicts in the CAR.
As the situation unfolds in Bosobolo, it is essential for authorities to address the humanitarian needs of the fleeing Central Africans while ensuring the security and stability of the region. With tensions running high following the recent clashes, a coordinated effort between local officials, international organizations, and security forces is imperative to prevent further escalation of violence and protect the vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.