2020 N'Délé clashes

In 2020 heavy clashes between ex-Séléka groups erupted in N'Délé in Central African Republic.

2020 N'Délé clashes
Part of the Central African Republic Civil War
Date 2 March – 12 May 2020 Location N'Délé, Central African Republic Status Stalemate
Belligerents
FPRC	MLCJ RPRC	MINUSCA:  Pakistan FACA
Commanders and leaders
Noureddine Adam Abdoulaye Hissène Moctar Adam	Zacharia Damane Azor Kalité	Faustin-Archange Touadéra
Casualties and losses
Dozens	Dozens killed and injured 9 captured	1 killed
At least 86 people killed, thousands displaced

History

On 2 March 2020 FPRC fighters killed RPRC colonel. FPRC refused to execute their fighters who were responsible for this attack. Two days later heavy clashes erupted between both groups in N'Délé. Several houses were burned down and thousands were displaced. On 5 March both sides received reinforcement[1] On 7 March 2020 MINUSCA staff member was killed in N'Délé during clahses.[2] On 10–11 March RPRC with support of MLCJ attacked FPRC positions in N'Délé seizing half of city and looting and burning central market and FPRC leader residence. More than 40 civilians were killed[3] On 1 April 2020 clashes erupted between FPRC fighters in Bornou neighborhood of N'Délé. Soldiers demanded resignation of FPRC chief, Moctar Adam.[4] On 6 April fighting resumed with blasts being heard in the city.[5] On 15 April UN reported that situation started to improve after FPRC chief returned to city.[6] However, on 29 April RPRC and MLCJ attacked central market in N'Délé killing at least 37 people[7] On 12 May clashes between FPRC and RPRC erupted again after alleged act of robbery by FPRC fighters resulting in six deaths.[8]

Aftermath

On 19 May 2020 MINUSCA arrested nine RPRC fighters in N'Délé including general Azor Kalité while they were trying to escape to Tirigoulou. They were transferred two days later to Bangui. They have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.[9]

References

1. "CAR: Rebels from RPRC escalate hostilities in tense region of Bamingui-Bangoran". 6 March 2020.
2. "Security Council Press Statement on Attack against United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic". United Nations. 16 March 2020.
3. "Centrafrique : 40 civils massacrés à Ndélé par la coalition Jandjawids soudanais RPRC-MLCJ-TOUADERA".
4. "RCA : violent accrochage entre les différents éléments coalisés du FPRC à Ndélé". 2 April 2020.
5. "RCA : reprise des combats à Ndélé". 7 April 2020.
6. "AFTER DEADLY VIOLENCE, THE SITUATION IS GRADUALLY IMPROVING IN BIRAO AND NDELE". United Nations. 15 April 2020.
7. "CAR: Clashes erupt following attack in Ndélé April 29". 30 April 2020.
8. "CAR: Clashes erupt between rival groups near Ndélé May 12". 14 May 2020.
9. "RCA : arrivée à Bangui du général Azor Kalité et ses 8 éléments arrêtés par la Minusca à Ndélé". 22 May 2020.