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Central African Republic on edge with mounting insecurity and food shortages
[France24] People living in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, are facing growing insecurity as clashes between the army and rebel groups have continued in the five weeks following the presidential election. A ban on motorcycle taxis has caused chaos in the transportation sector and the price of food and other basic goods have skyrocketed after rebels cut off the main supply road with Cameroon. Observers say they are exhausted by these struggles, but appreciate the solidarity among residents.

On January 25, a truck driver was killed when rebel groups ambushed the road between Cameroon and Bangui. This incident doesn’t bode well for the more than 1,500 trucks carrying food and medicine who have been blocked for more than a month in the Cameroonian border town of Garoua Boulai. The drivers are waiting for a pause in the conflict that began on December 19 when rebel groups contested the presidential election. They believe the election was rigged in favour of President Faustin Archange Touadéra, who was reelected on December 27 with 53.92 percent of the vote.

The frontline has gotten closer and closer to Bangui. Fighting has now reached the neighbourhoods of PK11 and PK12, which are located about a dozen kilometres from the town centre. After a deadly attack on January 13, authorities banned the circulation of motorcycle taxis, which are the main form of transportation for Bangui residents, especially students.

Schools were closed then reopened this Monday, leading to scenes of chaos as commuters jockeyed for a place on the buses and taxis.
Posted by: Steve White 2021-01-31
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=593011