On Sunday, the Coalition of the Democratic Opposition called for the postponement of presidential and parliamentary elections slotted for 27 December.
The coalition, made up of opposition political parties in the Central Africa Republic, wants the elections to be held after the restoration of peace and security.
With less than one week remaining to the general elections, CAR’s political temperature continues to rise.
Earlier on Saturday, CAR’s government had accused former president Francoise Bozizé of planning a coup.
The Coalition of Patriots for Change
The government accusation arose from the merger of three powerful rebel groups into a single entity called the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), under one command.
There are reports that CPC is advancing to the capital Bangui. They have called other armed groups to join in on their match to the capital claiming that President Touadera has not lived up to the 2019 agreement to give the armed group leaders government positions and funds to disarm.
The government has reason to believe Bozizé has linkage to CPC, something that the rebel coalition is yet to confirm.
The coordinator at the Observatory for Central and Southern Africa for French Institue of International Relations, Thierry Vircoulon, says the rebel groups’ merger shows their fear of an unfair election that may see Touadera retain his seat and disregard their demands.
On Friday, there were reports that the rebel groups have secured control of major routes leading to Bangui, according to UN and humanitarian sources.
On the other hand, the government announced that Bozizé was about 150km northwest of Bangui and was also advancing to the capital.
‘A neglected Crises on Earth’
The Norwegian high commission has termed the ongoing CAR situation as one of the most neglected crises on earth.
Rwanda has deployed soldiers in CAR as a response to the alleged targeting of its troops in the UN Peacekeeping forces by Bozizé led rebels.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres has condemned CAR’s escalating violence and called for a peaceful resolution by both parties in Central African citizens’ interest.
Moreover, there is a yet to be confirmed deployment of Russian troop. However, what is certain is that security guards employed by Russian companies are currently protecting President Touadéra.
CAR Conflict
CAR spiraled into conflict in 2013 after Bozizé was overthrown as the president of Seleka, a rebel group primarily comprising of the Muslim minority.
A bloodbath was experienced as the Seleka fought against the Anti-balaka self-defense force.
President Touadéra began his term in 2016 following elections conducted in the country after France’s military intervention in its former colony.
Despite inter-communal conflict residing over the past two years, the armed groups- who control 2/3 of the country- continue to fight for resources.
‘We have had enough’
In a report by Africa news, Hubert Wanto, a Bangui resident, says they have had enough of politicians playing them off against each other, making them kill one another.
Another resident, Omer Ngbandi, a teacher in Bangui, has called for self-control from the candidates vying in the presidential elections.
MORE:
