CAR Roundup: Drone attacks, climate change, disability-friendly collaborations
Deaths from drone attacks
At least three (3) persons have died and five (5) others have been injured after an attack against bases of Wagner’s Russian mercenaries in Kaga-Bandoro in the centre-west of the country. The incident which happened on December 10 involved five drones according to the Minister of Central African Territorial Administration. According to the CAR news platform Abangui, spokesperson for the rebel coalition CPC has since denied involvement of his team. Investigations are however underway into the incident.
Demands for release of former government official
CAR media platform, Radio Ndeke Luka has reported that supporters and sympathisers of Patrice Edouard Ngaïssona, a former Central African minister of sports and president of the Central African Party for Unity and Development (PCUD) are demanding his unconditional release from detention at the International Criminal Court in The Hague in the Netherlands. Ngaïssona has been accused of perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity in the country between 2013 and 2014. He was arrested in France on December 12, 2018.
Disability-friendly initiatives introduced
A joint effort by authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Cameroon has led to the creation of a measure that allows persons with physical disabilities to carry out cross-border commercial activity. The move aims to allow for such persons to easily cross the border between both countries with either tricycles or similar means of transportation, with or without assistance. They can also purchase items from Cameroon (Garouaboulaye) at more advantageous prices and return to CAR without any difficulties at the borders, according to local news outlet, CNC. The initiative is taking place at the border between Cameroon and CAR (Cantonnier- Béloko).
Funds created to tackle climate change
CAR has welcomed the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund created to compensate for climate losses and damages in vulnerable countries. The fund which was launched at the Dubai Summit on December 1, 2023, will assist countries suffering severe economic losses from rising sea levels and expanding deserts in low-lying island countries. CAR however suggested that a consensual management mechanism be created for this fund with a humanitarian character to prevent resources from being diverted from its objectives, CAR media platform Journal de Bangui reported.
Demands for government compensation
Members of the National Artistic Ensemble have demanded from some executives of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture clarification about the payment of their compensation, Abangui has reported. According to the affected persons, the monies they receive are not reflective of what the state pays monthly. The artists have received only two (2) months of compensation arrears from the government although they are entitled to four (4). The National Artistic Ensemble was created in July 2021 by a decree of the President of the Republic. It is made up of at least 200 members, including singers, actors, dancers and their supervisors.
