Battle of Bangui (2021)

Not to be confused with Battle of Bangui (2013).

On 13 January 2021, during the ongoing civil war in the Central African Republic, around 200 rebels from the Coalition of Patriots for Change attacked the capital Bangui in an attempt to overthrow the government, which resulted in failure.

Battle of Bangui
Part of Central African Republic Civil War
Date 13 January 2021 Location Bangui, Central African Republic Result Government victory
Belligerents
Central African Republic MINUSCA Rwanda Russia	Coalition of Patriots for Change
Commanders and leaders
Faustin-Archange Touadéra	François Bozizé
Units involved
Wagner Group	Anti-balaka MPC 3R UPC FPRC
Strength
Unknown	200 rebels
Casualties and losses
One killed and one injured Several injured	30 killed, five captured
Several civilians injured

Background

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.

According to testimonies by members of armed groups, François Bozizé was directly involved in the preparation and coordination of the attack on Bangui. 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.

Battle

Civilians flee clashes between rebels and security forces in Bangui

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. Around 200 rebels 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. Streets were scattered with bullet casings. 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. According to Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada, 30 rebels were killed and five were captured. A few civilians were injured, including France Beldo, a 31-year-old woman hit by a stray bullet in the hand, chest, and shoulder.

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.