May 2017 Bangassou clashes

During May 2017, a series of clashes occurred in the Central African Republic town of Bangassou between Anti-balaka militias and MINUSCA forces.

May 2017 Bangassou clashes
Part of the Central African Republic Civil War
Date13 – 15 May 2017
Location
Bangassou, Mbomou, Central African Republic
4°44′N 23°49′E
Result MINUSCA victory
Belligerents
MINUSCA Anti-balaka
Commanders and leaders
Kevin Bere Bere
Romaric Mandago
Crépin Wakanam
Patrick Gbiako
Yembeline Mbenguia Alpha
Strength
600–700
Casualties and losses
1 killed, 25 injured Unknown
115 people killed
3,000 people displaced
Bangassou
Location within Central African Republic

History

On 13 May 2017 around 600 to 700 Anti-balaka fighters entered Bangassou attacking MINUSCA base and Muslim Tokoyo neighborhood. They started pillaging 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]

Responsibility

On 7 February 2020, two and a half year after Bangassou clashes 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.[3]

gollark: Yes. yes it is.
gollark: edit.lua good
gollark: So actually you should probably do that.
gollark: If you get a single potatOS computer on your network, it will rapidly improve ALL your computers.
gollark: Exactly.

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. "The Central African justice system strongly condemns those responsible for the Bangassou massacre". 19 February 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.