Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA) and their Russian allies announced on Sunday, July 5, that they had retaken control of Am-Dafock, a strategically important town. The town is situated in the Vakaga prefecture, located in the northeast of the Central African Republic (CAR), directly on the border with Sudan. This action follows ongoing efforts to secure strategic locations within the country and marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The recapture comes after Am-Dafock had fallen to fighters from the Alliance pour un sursaut patriotique (ASP) just days before.
Details of the Recapture
The announcement was accompanied by visual evidence of the successful operation. Images displayed Centrafrican and Russian soldiers positioned in front of the Am-Dafock gendarmerie, a key local institution, and near an abandoned Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations unies pour la stabilisation en Centrafrique (Minusca) armored vehicle, suggesting the intensity of the recent engagements. Ramadan Abdel Kader, the sub-prefect of Am-Dafock, further confirmed the recapture of the town in a video statement, providing local verification of the military's claims. In his statement, Mr. Kader also deplored significant material damage caused within Am-Dafock during the fighting, indicating the destructive impact of the clashes on the town's infrastructure and residents. Despite the confirmation of the recapture and reports of damage, authorities have not communicated a consolidated official toll regarding casualties or further specifics of the operation, leaving the full human cost of the conflict unclear.
Background on the Conflict
Am-Dafock had fallen to fighters from the Alliance pour un sursaut patriotique (ASP) just days before its recapture by Centrafrican and Russian forces, noting the volatile security situation in the region. The Central African Republic government had condemned an attack carried out on Tuesday, June 30, which specifically targeted the town. Am-Dafock was attacked on June 30 by elements of the Alliance pour un sursaut patriotique (ASP), leading to its temporary occupation by the rebel group. This recent incursion by the ASP shows the persistent challenges faced by the government in maintaining control over its vast territory, particularly in border regions susceptible to cross-border movements of armed groups. The swift response by FACA and their Russian allies to reclaim Am-Dafock demonstrates the government's commitment to countering rebel activities and restoring state authority.
Calls for Reinforcement
Following the recapture and in light of the town's recent instability, Ramadan Abdel Kader, the sub-prefect of Am-Dafock, called on Bangui to ensure a permanent reinforcement of the security presence in the town. His appeal follows the recent recapture of Am-Dafock by Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA) and their Russian allies from fighters of the Alliance pour un sursaut patriotique (ASP), emphasizing the need for sustained protection. The strategic location of Am-Dafock, situated directly on the border with Sudan in the Vakaga prefecture, shows the critical importance of maintaining stability in this vulnerable area. Mr. Kader emphasized the need for sustained security measures to prevent future incursions and protect the local population after the significant material damage reported during the fighting. He stressed that a strong and permanent security presence is essential to deter future attacks and allow for the recovery and rebuilding of the community.
Government's Stance
The recapture of Am-Dafock followed clashes between Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA), supported by Russian allies, and rebel fighters, according to initial government claims. The Centrafrican government had announced the day before, Saturday, July 4, that the locality was back under government control, issuing a press release to confirm the development and assert its authority. The government's swift communication aimed to reassure the public and international partners of its operational success. However, local sources reported that the clashes leading to the recapture resulted in at least 28 deaths, including soldiers, indicating a significant human cost to the operation. This casualty figure, though not officially confirmed by authorities, notes the dangers faced by those involved in the fighting.