Central African Republic: Thousands flee to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in wake of post-election rebel attacks on Bangassou town
Thousands of residents have fled Bangassou, a town in the south-east of the Central African Republic (CAR) after an attack related to the country’s presidential elections.
Residents fled when violence erupted as rebels took control of Bangassou, a city on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, a day before authorities were due to declare the results of the election.
The Central African nation opened its polling stations for presidential and legislative elections on December 27. The elections were held amid political tensions, insecurity and increased human rights violations despite the signing of a peace agreement between the government and armed rebel groups in February, 2019.
Residents had fled the city and crossed the Mbomou River to seek refuge in Ndu in the DRC, where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is also supporting the local health centre, according to Emmanuel Lampaert, MSF head of mission.