Panic In CAR As Rebels Return To Town
Coalition of Patriots for Change rebels in the Central African Republic are causing panic upon their reentry into towns in CAR.
The return of rebel fighters of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) from the hills around the national capital Bangui to Kouango, in the centre of the Central African Republic, is causing panic among citizens, HumAngle can report.
The rebels have been coming down from the hills in the past days. Their arrival is creating apprehension of a possible clash between them and soldiers of the national army popularly known by its French acronym, FACA.
According to local sources in Kouango, several rebel combatants were found loitering in the localities of Lioto, Bolbala, Ngadza, Biango, and Goya.
“I can tell you that it is terrible here. The massive return of CPC combatants from Bangui continues to create fear here,” a Kouanga inhabitant told HumAngle last evening.
“There are many of them arriving. Some have been trying to return to their various villages but fear they may be attacked on their way. Others are still here hoping their feet which are swollen because of the long trek, would heal before they can move on.”
“There are still very many of them here, and if they are not chased away, they will not leave here. Besides Lioto, they are also in Bolbala, Ngadza, Bianga and several in Goya. I must tell you that their presence creates fear here. They are beginning to behave as if this is their permanent base,” the source added.
Several CPC rebel fighters encircled the capital, Bangui, since last month.
Their objective was to chase President Faustin Archange Touadera from power.
“Their hope of seizing power has been foiled by the counteroffensive of the national army supported by Rwandan and Russian mercenaries,” declared a senior military official in Bangui who opted for anonymity because he is not the official army spokesperson.
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