Gaura

by | Mar 27, 2018 | Gaura

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During May 2017, a massacre occurred in the Central African Republic town of Bangassou after Anti-balaka militias launched an attack in the area.

History

On 13 May 2017 around 600 to 700 Anti-balaka fighters entered Bangassou, attacking a MINUSCA base and a Muslim Tokoyo neighborhood. They started pillaging the city and attacking Muslim residents. More than 3,000 people escaped their homes seeking refugee in a hospital, cathedral and mosque. Anti-balaka besieged mosque sheltering more than 1,000 people. On 15 May MINUSCA forces managed to recapture key points in the city freeing hostages from mosque.[1] In the following days more than 115 bodies were found in the city.[2] One MINUSCA peacekeeper from Morocco was also killed.[3]

Responsibility

On 7 February 2020, two and a half years after the clashes in Bangassou, five Anti-Balaka commanders and 23 militiamen were sentenced for years in prison. They were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and murder.[4]

References

  1. ^ "CAR: Tensions high in southeastern city of Bangassou (Mbomou prefecture)". 16 May 2017.
  2. ^ "Red Cross: 115 bodies found in CAR's Bangassou". 17 May 2017.
  3. ^ "Armed group attacks civilians, UN in Central African Republic overnight; peacekeeper killed". 13 May 2017.
  4. ^ "The Central African justice system strongly condemns those responsible for the Bangassou massacre". 19 February 2020.
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