Fear reigns in CAR's capital Bangui
2012-12-31 12:13
Bangui - Nightfall in Bangui's normally bustling streets brings an eery
quiet to the capital of the Central African Republic, where authorities have
enacted a curfew ahead of a possible rebel move on the city.
Men carrying machetes and arrows patrol the deserted roads to ward off
would-be looters. Many in the impoverished city of almost a million residents
are afraid.
"It was so quiet under the curfew that I almost couldn't sleep,"
said one resident, who described a "scary quiet" after authorities on
Saturday implemented the 19:00 to 05:00 stay-in restriction.
Rebels from a coalition known as Seleka, who took up arms on 10 December
near the border with Chad and have met little resistance from government
troops, on Sunday warned they could enter Bangui.
After Saturday's curfew announcement, shops, restaurants and bars quickly
shut and traffic on the city's dusty roads all but disappeared.
The silence seemed magnified by the darkness in the city, where a power cut
lasted several hours.
In the town centre, generators buzzed as groups of machete-carrying guards
chatted. Sometimes, one of them would scrape his blade on the sidewalk - making
a menacing sound, even though the men did not seem aggressive.
Self-defence groups
The situation is different in outlying neighbourhoods, where authorities
have asked groups of young men to put up roadside barriers to stave off any
rebel advance.
But some residents grumbled these "self-defence" groups were
extorting locals.
"They gave these layabouts machetes. They control everyone and ask for
money for coffee. Sometimes, they take all your money," said a resident in
the northern neighbourhood.
These areas are strongholds of President Francois Bozize, and at the edge of
the ever-shrinking area held by loyalist troops. The Central African Republic's
army has offered scant resistance to rebels and is underpaid, poorly organised
and ill-equipped.
Religious discrimination
The Central African Republic is predominantly Christian and many here say
the rebels are largely Muslim, leading to discrimination against the religious
group.
"I'm really scared. I am a Muslim, and I think twice before going
out," the resident said.
The situation is similar in the eastern neighbourhood of Kassai.
"They checked me, even though they know me," a taxi driver said.
"We're worried, they are armed with machetes and arrows."
Interior Minister Jose Binoua said the groups were working to help police
identify "anyone who seems suspicious", but stressed any racketeering
or aggression would be sanctioned.
Still, witnesses speak of unlawful arrests and disappearances, especially
targeting Muslims.
Opposition leader and former prime minister Martin Ziguele on Sunday
denounced these practices and the "search for scapegoats".
"We have no need for extra forces or special organisations to help the
security situation," he said.
Rebel attack possibilities
Seleka coalition spokesperson Eric Massi, who has not ruled out attacking
the capital, said he is worried about the security situation here and about
suspected sympathisers being harassed.
Many residents are terrified of the possibility of a rebel attack.
"I'm scared. If the rebels come, what are we going to do for
food?" said Mary, a pregnant street vendor.
Still, Gabin, a resident of a northern neighbourhood, said he supported the
curfew as rebels moved to within 160km of the capital.
"The government is right. The curfew will allow them to keep intruders
in check," he said.
- SAPA
