Sibut Explained

Official Name:Sibut
Pushpin Map:Central African Republic
Pushpin Label Position:top
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Central African Republic
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Central African Republic
Subdivision Type1:Prefecture
Subdivision Name1:Kémo
Subdivision Type2:District
Leader Title:Sub-Prefect
Leader Name:Ernest Ouaka-Mondjou[1]
Population As Of:2012
Population Total:24527
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Blank1 Title:Ethnicities
Population Blank2 Title:Religions
Coordinates:5.7378°N 19.0867°W
Elevation M:400

Sibut (in French pronounced as /siby(t)/), formerly Fort Sibut (French: Fort-Sibut) is the capital of Kémo, one of the 16 prefectures of the Central African Republic. An important transport hub, it is situated 188km (117miles) north of the capital Bangui and is known for its market.

Sibut is located at the Northern end of the paved road coming from the capital, Bangui. At Sibut, two major provincial roads split, one going North to Kaga Bandoro, and the other east towards Bomimi, a thriving agricultural village of 450 people, 12km (07miles) from Sibut.

History

The settlement was originally named Krébédjé after the local Dekpa chief of the same name. The French arrived in 1895 and Krébédjé, and they officially recognised him as chief the next year.[2]

The town was renamed Fort Sibut in 1900 after Medical Major Adolphe Pierre Sibut, a deceased friend of colonial official Émile Gentil.[2]

Sibut sits on the banks of the Kémo, a minor tributary of the Ubangi River about 150km (90miles) long. Formerly an important route of supply and communication between Fort de Possel on the Ubangi and the French settlements around Lake Chad, the river is now non-navigable even with small watercraft.

In 1952, American Baptist missionary Margery Benedict established a medical clinic and dispensary at Fort Sibut. In 1982, President Andre Kolingba traveled to Sibut to award her the Order of Gratitude for 30 years of service.[2]

In 1980, Sibut was electrified.[3]

The present city has one high school which also serves as a landing strip, and a market. Local food in street cafes include gozo (cassava) and peanut spinach sauce, along with various species of bushmeat. Local drink includes palm wine and 33 beer. The Peace Corps had volunteers located in Sibut until the coup d'état of 1996.

On 29 December 2012 the city was captured by Seleka rebels. On 2 February 2014 Anti-balaka took control of the city following Seleka withdrawal.[4] In May 2018 Central African Armed Forces were redeployed in the city with help of Russian instructors.[5]

Climate

Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies its climate as tropical wet and dry (Aw).[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Oubangui Medias . Oubangui Medias . Centrafrique : Décrets portant nomination des Gouverneurs, des Préfets et des Sous-Préfets . oubanguimedias.com . Oubangui Medias . 5 June 2024.
  2. Book: Bradshaw . Richard . 2016 . Fandos-Rius . Juan . Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic . New . Rowman & Littlefield . Lanham, Maryland . 9780810879911 . 114, 386, 579.
  3. Book: Rius . Juan Fandos . Bradshaw . Richard . Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic . 2016 . Rowman & Littlefield . Maryland . 9780810879928 . 251.
  4. Web site: Central African Republic: Seleka Fighters Regroup in North. 5 February 2014.
  5. Web site: Letter dated 23 July 2018 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic extended pursuant to resolution 2399 (2018) addressed to the President of the Security Council. 23 July 2018.
  6. Web site: Climate: Sibut - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table . Climate-Data.org . 21 October 2013.