2017 Alindao massacre

Between 7 and 9 May 2017 at least 136 civilians were killed in series of reprisal killings by Anti-balaka and UPC fighters.

2017 Alindao massacre
Part of the Central African Republic Civil War
Date7–9 May 2017
Location
Alindao, Basse-Kotto, Central African Republic
5.0404°N 21.2095°E / 5.0404; 21.2095
Result UPC victory
Belligerents
Union for Peace in the Central African Republic Anti-balaka
Commanders and leaders
Ali Darassa
Casualties and losses
136+ people killed and 110+ people injured
Alindao is located in Central African Republic
Alindao
Alindao
Location within Central African Republic

Events

The clashes were triggered by arrest of two young boys by Muslim combatants who were accused of being part of self-defense group. Anti-balaka militias in response kidnapped family of a Séléka member to pressure group to release the boys. On 7 May shootout started between both groups.[1] On 9 May UPC supported by local Muslims attacked Paris-Congo and Banguiville neighborhoods in Alindao. They conducted door-to-door searches, looking for men to kill and women and girls to rape. Human Rights Watch documented 12 cases of rape by UPC fighters in Alindao in May 2017. One woman described as fighters raped her and her husband and then murdered her husband and daughter with gunshots. Local UPC fighters were led by Ali Darassa.[2] Bruno Bagaza, a Red Cross volunteer was killed by UPC fighters while wearing his uniform.[3]

As UPC fighters managed to repel Anti-balaka attack on the town on 9 May, Anti-balaka fighters withdrew towards Mingala.[4] According to unconfirmed reports around 10 churches were destroyed or looted in the surrounding villages as the rebels retreated.[5]

Casualties

At least 136 people were killed.[2] Some bodies were thrown into the wells.[1] At least 19 of them (including an imam) were killed by Anti-balakas while at least 37 of them were killed by UPC fighters.[6] At least 110 people were injured.[7] 14,382 people reportedly took shelter at local Catholic mission. 329 houses had been burnt down.[4]

References
  1. "CAR: Scores Dead and Thousands Displaced as Conflict Erupts in Alindao". 8 June 2017.
  2. ""They Said We Are Their Slaves". Sexual Violence by Armed Groups in the Central African Republic". Human Rights Watch. October 2017.
  3. "Central African Republic: Civilians Targeted as Violence Surges". 27 October 2017.
  4. "Central African Republic 01-31 May 2017" (PDF). UNHCR.
  5. "UPDATE: CAR's peace-making leader mourns loss of loved ones as 3,000 shelter inside church". World Watch Monitor. 18 May 2017.
  6. "Zeid alarmed by increasing violence, killings, in Central African Republic". UNHR.
  7. "Centrafrique : 37 morts et 110 blessés dans des violences à Alindao". jeuneafrique. 12 May 2017.
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