2018 Batangafo clashes explained

Partof:	the Central African Republic Civil War
Date:	31 October – 17 November 2018
Result:	Stalemate
Combatant1:	ex-Séléka: FPRC MPC
Combatant3:	MINUSCA: Cameroon Pakistan
Strength1:	120 (initial)
Strength2:	50 (initial)
Strength3:	31 October: 100 1 November: 128 7 November: 138
Casualties1:	0–2 killed, 12 injured
Casualties2:	2–4 killed, 3 injured
Casualties3:	None
Casualties4:	At least 9 civilians killed, 14 injured and 20,809 displaced

In 2018 a series of clashes occurred in the Central African Republic town of Batangafo between Anti-balaka and Ex-Séléka militias.

Timeline of events

31 October: Anti-balaka fighters stabbed motorcyclist from Kabo who delivered vaccines to hospital. In retaliation Ex-Séléka fighters attacked IDP camps burning shelters.
1 November: Ex-Séléka attacked and looted places in Batangafo. MINUSCA reinforcement arrived.
2 November: Reinforcement from Kabo and Kaga-Bandoro for Ex-Séléka and from Ouogo/Kambakota for Anti-balaka arrived.
4 November: Young people demonstrated against MINUSCA.
5 November: Continuous fight between Ex-Séléka and Anti-balaka.
6 November: Demonstration against Pakistani troops. Another MINUSCA reinforcement arrived.
7 November: Fightings largely stop. Another MINUSCA reinforcement arrived.
8 November: Anti-balaka barriers disappeared. 5,100 tents have been destroyed.
11 November: Anti-balaka blocked access to hospital for people from Lakouanga.
12 November: MINUSCA dispersed Anti-balaka.
13 November: Women and children protested against MINUSCA inaction.
15 November: FPRC threatened to burn down the hospital.
17 November: Meeting between MINUSCA and Ex-Séléka on ultimatum.

Fatalities

15 people were killed and 29 were injured as a result of the clashes. 20,809 people were displaced, 5,141 huts (93 percent of thetotal) and 200 houses were burnt.

References

Web site: Unprotected. Summary of internal review on the October 31st events in Batangafo, Central African Republic. February 2019. Médecins Sans Frontières.