Central African Republic Prime Minister Félix Moloua has issued a warning to armed groups operating near the Sudanese border following a deadly attack that forced thousands of people from their homes.
Moloua travelled on Saturday to Birao, the capital of the northeastern Vakaga region, as part of a government mission aimed at reassuring residents after the June 30 assault on the border town of Am Dafock.
The attack reportedly killed soldiers, members of the security forces and civilians, although the authorities have not released an official casualty toll. Thousands of residents were displaced by the violence.
Accompanied by several government ministers, Moloua inaugurated a health centre and pledged that the government would continue development projects in Vakaga despite persistent insecurity.
The remote region has repeatedly faced incursions by armed groups moving across the porous border between the Central African Republic and Sudan.
Addressing armed factions, Moloua urged their members to join the country’s disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme, known as DDR, and abandon further violence.
“The fun is over,” the prime minister said, calling on armed groups to “turn the page” and support peace and social cohesion.
Am Dafock lies about 65 kilometres from Birao and has frequently been targeted by armed groups operating in the border region.
Security conditions have deteriorated further since war erupted in neighbouring Sudan in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, allowing weapons, fighters and displaced civilians to move through already fragile border areas.