May 2017 Bangassou clashes

May 2017 Bangassou clashes
Part of the Central African Republic Civil War
Funeral service of Cambodian peacekeeper killed by Anti-balaka
Date 13 – 15 May 2017 Location Bangassou, Mbomou, Central African Republic 4°44′N 23°49′E Result MINUSCA victory
Belligerents
MINUSCA	Anti-balaka
Commanders and leaders
	Kevin Bere Bere Romaric Mandago Crépin Wakanam Patrick Gbiako Yembeline Mbenguia Alpha
Strength
	600–700
Casualties and losses
1 killed, 25 injured	Unknown
115+ people killed 3,000 people displaced
Bangassou class=notpageimage| Location within Central African Republic

During May 2017, a series of clashes occurred in the Central African Republic town of Bangassou between Anti-balaka militias and MINUSCA forces.

History

On 13 May 2017 around 600 to 700 Anti-balaka fighters entered Bangassou attacking MINUSCA base and Muslim Tokoyo neighborhood. They started pillaging the city and attacking Muslim residents. More than 3,000 people escaped their homes seeking refugee in a hospital, cathedral and mosque. Anti-balaka besieged mosque sheltering more than 1,000 people. On 15 May MINUSCA forces managed to recapture key points in the city freeing hostages from mosque. In the following days more than 115 bodies were found in the city. One MINUSCA peacekeeper from Morocco was also killed.

Responsibility

On 7 February 2020, two and a half years after the clashes in Bangassou, five Anti-Balaka commanders and 23 militiamen were sentenced for years in prison. They were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and murder.