Niakari Explained

Official Name:Niakari
Pushpin Map:Central African Republic
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Central African Republic
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Central African Republic
Subdivision Name1:Mbomou
Subdivision Type2:Sub-prefecture
Subdivision Name2:Bangassou
Subdivision Type3:Commune
Subdivision Name3:Sayo-Niakari
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population Blank1 Title:Ethnicities
Population Blank2 Title:Religions
Coordinates:4.8422°N 22.7519°W

Niakari is a village located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Mbomou north of Bangassou.

History

Civil war

On 17 January 2021 fighters of Coalition of Patriots for Change led by Mahamat Salleh departed the city of Bangassou and moved to Niakari. There they committed cases of sexual violence including a case of forced marriage involving a minor. They also occupied local primary school since 21 January. They finally left Niakari on 20 February.[1] On 9 March another group of CPC fighters belonging to Union for Peace in the Central African Republic was reportedly present in Niakari.[2] Overall Niakari was occupied by armed groups for two months during which they plundered food and medicines.[3]

In May 2021 prime minister Ngrebada Firmin reported than Niakari was free from armed groups and population returned to their activities.[4] In October 2021 reportedly more than 100 refugees were present in camp in Niakari fleeing from violence with only one borehole with water. Access to food was also a problem reportedly.[5]

Notes and References

  1. https://www.undocs.org/pdf?symbol=en/S/2021/569 Letter dated 25 June 2021 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic extended pursuant to resolution 2536 (2020) addressed to the President of the Security Council
  2. https://corbeaunews-centrafrique.com/rca-bangassou-presence-massive-des-rebelles-signalee-dans-la-commune-rurale-de-sayo-niakari/ RCA : Bangassou, présence massive des rebelles signalée dans la commune rurale de Sayo-Niakari
  3. https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/reportage-afrique/20211029-centrafrique-niakari-jadis-occupé-et-pillé-par-la-cpc-reprend-vie-2-3 Centrafrique: Niakari, jadis occupé et pillé par la CPC, reprend vie [2/3]
  4. https://www.facebook.com/ngrebadapm/posts/3055416164784000 LA VIE A REPRIS À NIAKARI SUR L´AXE BANGASSOU/BAKOUMA
  5. https://www.radiondekeluka.org/actualites/societe/37620-centrafrique-difficile-conditions-de-vie-des-deplaces-de-niakari-a-bangassou.html Centrafrique: difficile conditions de vie des déplacés de Niakari à Bangassou