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Government forces and United Nationsl peacekeeping troops have recaptured the town of Bangassou in the south of the Central African Republic. Two weeks ago the town fell into the hands of French-backed militant groups that launched an offensive against the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadera.
The town is located 750km east of the capital, Bangui. Militants fled the town following an ultimatum on Friday from the UN peacekeeping force MINUSCA.
“The city of Bangassou is under the complete control of MINUSCA,” MINUSCA spokesperson Vladimir Monteiro said adding that the UN force “remains on alert” to prevent any return of militants or other actions against civilians.
Nonetheless, this development did not go without casualties. On January 18, two peacekeepers from the UN mission were killed Monday in an attack by militants near the town.
French-backed militant groups? Africa have become the new Middle East; proxy wars everywhere.
There were proxy wars in Africa in the 1960’s/70’s.
What are UN Peacekeepers doing fighting alongside government ?? forces. The UN Peacekeepers are supposed to be neutral and observe while trying to keep both parties apart.