A violent rebel attack has rocked the Ouham Pendé prefecture in the western region of the Central African Republic. The daring assault targeted Russian paramilitaries hailing from Wagner and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) stationed in the Bossemptélé subprefecture’s capital, located some 380 kilometers northwest of Bangui. The notorious 3R armed group, acting on behalf of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), has claimed responsibility for this heinous act.
It was the sound of weapons that woke the population of the city very early at dawn. The 3R rebels launched their attack around 6 am. They simultaneously targeted the base of the Russian paramilitaries of Wagner, that of the Faca as well as Central African soldiers who were on guard at a barrier erected on the Bangui-Douala road in Cameroon, the main supply axis of the country.
For forty long and harrowing minutes, Bossemptélé was under attack. But the brave Faca and Russian forces refused to back down, retaliating with heavy artillery to drive back the assailants. In a remarkable show of solidarity, a contingent of Minusca peacekeepers from Rwanda also joined in the fight, lending their support to the courageous defenders of Bossemptélé. Thankfully, the mayor confirmed that no casualties were suffered among the city’s residents.
Vincent de Paul Ouessé-Ali, an administrative official, clarifies that the recent attack was not targeted toward the 37,000 resilient residents of this city. However, years of relentless conflict have left a deep psychological impact on the community, and many were left traumatized by the sudden assault. As a result, some people chose to flee into the bush to seek refuge from the fear and uncertainty that grips the region.
The tension was still palpable in the middle of the afternoon, heavy explosions were still heard intermittently while the inhabitants were holed up in their homes. “Everything is closed, markets, schools, shops, and everyone is at home to avoid any incident,” confirmed the mayor of the city.
Seven Russian paramilitaries were seriously injured, as well as three Faca soldiers, according to another administrative source. No report was communicated on the rebel side.