Battle of Bangui (2021)

In December 2020, major rebel groups in the Central African Republic created the Coalition of Patriots for Change. They were led by former president François Bozizé. They tried to prevent the organization of the 2020–21 Central African general election.^[3]

According to testimonies by members of armed groups, François Bozizé was directly involved in the preparation and coordination of the attack on Bangui.^[3] Karim Meckassoua, former president of the National Assembly, was also involved in preparations in coordination with Bozizé, Noureddine Adam, Ali Darassa, and several MPC generals. According to testimonies, he was hoping that if a coup d’état was successful, he would be the head of a transitional government. However, Bozizé was convinced that Meckassoua was trying to double-cross him, which led to the refusal of Bangui-based Anti-balaka fighters to join the attack. They were supposed to create chaos in Bangui, which would allow other fighters to enter the capital. Meckassoua, however, denied all accusations.^[3]

Around 5:45 a.m., around ten rebels armed with rocket launchers and Kalashnikov rifles were spotted in PK 11, Damala, PK 12, and Pindao in Bangui.^[4] Around 200 rebels^[5] attacked military barracks 9 km and 12 km from the capital. They also attacked the Bimbo neighborhood. Residents reported gunfire in different parts of the city.^[6] Streets were scattered with bullet casings.^[5] The attack was repelled, and as of 8 a.m. the situation in the city was calm. One Rwandan soldier was killed, and another was injured.^[7] According to Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada, 30 rebels were killed and five were captured.^[2] A few civilians were injured, including France Beldo, a 31-year-old woman hit by a stray bullet in the hand, chest, and shoulder.^[8]

One of the captured rebels was shown live on television. Interior Minister Henri Wanzet Linguissara claimed that he was a Chadian citizen. The Chadian government denied the claim.^[9][10]