Birao

Last updated
Birao
Birao burnt down.jpg
Birao after being burnt down in 2007
Central African Republic location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Birao
Coordinates: 10°17′38″N22°46′55″E / 10.294°N 22.782°E / 10.294; 22.782
Country Flag of the Central African Republic.svg Central African Republic
Prefecture Vakaga
Government
 • Sub-PrefectBabakri Djabaldine Nzangue [1]
 • MayorSultan Hamat Moustapha Angabo [2]
Elevation
468 m (1,536 ft)
Population
 (2012)
 • Total10,178
Boy playing with a burnt lamp in Birao. The town was almost completely burnt down in March 2007 during fighting between rebels and government troops. Central African Republic - Boy in Birao.jpg
Boy playing with a burnt lamp in Birao. The town was almost completely burnt down in March 2007 during fighting between rebels and government troops.

Birao is the capital of Vakaga, one of the 14 prefectures of the Central African Republic and was an administrative post in the colony of Ubangui-Shari. [3] In March 2007, the town was almost completely burnt down in the fighting between rebels and government troops in the area.

Contents

History

Colonial Period

Birao was founded on 6 November 1918 by the French colonial government as its northernmost post in Ubangi-Shari. [4] [5] [6]

Under Bokassa

Jean-Bédel Bokassa, the military ruler of the Central African Republic in the 1960s and 1970s, sent the family of Alexandre Banza to Birao after Banza attempted to overthrow him. Birao was isolated from the rest of the country and Banza's family was monitored by Bokassa. Banza's wife and nine children were kept in Birao until 1970. Beouane and Goboulo, Banza's two brothers, were also kept in Birao, but were soon imprisoned. [7]

Birao was considered an undesirable place to be sent; the "disciplinary cells" in the Ngaragba Prison run by Bokassa were called Birao. [8] Later, after Bokassa had fallen from power and his execution sentence had been commuted, sending Bokassa to Birao was considered a possibility because the remote location of the place would separate him from his political allies. [9]

Central African Republic Bush War

In November 2004, at least 20 people were killed in a raid on the remote town of Birao in the north-east of the Central African Republic. [10]

2006

On October 29, 2006, a force of around 150 rebels took the town of Birao, which is close to the border with Sudan and Chad. The rebels from the UFDR movement say some government troops joined them, and others were taken prisoner. The CAR government accused Sudan of being behind that attack. [11]

On November 14, France, the traditional backer of the CAR government, offered the CAR military assistance in the form of logistics and aerial reconnaissance. France already had a regular 200-soldier contingent in the CAR supplementing the 5,000-soldier army of the CAR itself. [12] On that day, the UFDR announced that they had suspended military activities in favour of negotiations. [13]

On November 17, Chad's parliament approved troop deployment to the CAR. [14] The CAR government appealed to the United Nations to send troops, [15] and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for the attacks in CAR's border with Darfur to end. [16] Chad's decision to deploy troops to the CAR came as hopes for a deal with Sudan over peacekeeping forces in Darfur proved premature. [17] [18]

On December 14, France admitted having performed air raids against UFDR positions since the beginning of December, employing Mirage F1 fighters and helicopter gunships, and including an attack on the UFDR-controlled town of Birao. French Defence Ministry spokesman said the action was "in line with international calls to stabilise the region". UFDR reports claim that the raids had a devastating effect on the civilian population. [19]

2007

Birao in April 2006, after much of the town was burned down Birao burnt down2.jpg
Birao in April 2006, after much of the town was burned down

On April 13, 2007, a peace agreement between the government and the UFDR was signed in Birao. The agreement provides for an amnesty for the UFDR, its recognition as a political party, and the integration of its fighters into the army. [20]

In March 2007, the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity attacked the French army and the armed forces of the Central African Republic (FACA), which held Birao at the time. [21] Students who used to attend the secondary school in Birao were in the UFDR forces. [21]

Later fighting

On 10 October 2010, LRA invaded Birao. They looted the main market and kidnapped nine children. [22] On November 15, 2010, United Nations forces returned control of Birao to the government of the Central African Republic. [23] Later in November, a rebel group called the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace captured Birao. [23] On December 1, 2010, Birao was captured by the army of Chad, on behalf of the government of the Central African Republic. In September 2011, LRA attacked Birao and abducted 12 girls and 5 boys. [24]

On 26 June 2014 international forces left Birao following ultimatum by Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic (FPRC) armed group. [25] On 14 July 2019 clashes erupted between MLCJ and FPRC in Birao after two people were arrested by FPRC fighters four days before. Four FPRC militiamen were killed and the two individuals were subsequently executed. On 1 September MLCJ attacked FPRC positions in Birao leading to 23 FPRC and eight MLCJ fighters being killed. The following day the town was captured by MLCJ. On 14 September FPRC attacked Birao which was repelled. 37 FPRC and 11 MLCJ fighters were killed. [26] On February 17, 2020, members of the Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central Africa (FPRC) attacked MINUSCA forces in Birao, leading to 12 FPRC militants being killed. [27] On 15 March 2022 Russian mercenaries from Wagner Group temporarily entered Birao before returning to N'dele. [28] On 7 December 2022 Russians supported by armed forces established permanent base in Birao. [29]

Climate

Birao has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh), more akin to N'Djamena or Niamey than to the rest of the Central African Republic. The city is hot to sweltering throughout the year, with every month having an average maximum over 30 °C or 86 °F, and the period before the wet season breaks in March and April sees average maxima reach a sweltering 39.7 °C or 103.5 °F. The wet season lasts from May to September, peaking in July and August, and is cooler by day than the long dry season but just as uncomfortable due to the higher humidity.

Climate data for Birao
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)34.7
(94.5)		37.3
(99.1)		39.4
(102.9)		39.7
(103.5)		37.9
(100.2)		35
(95)		31.4
(88.5)		30.8
(87.4)		32.1
(89.8)		34.5
(94.1)		35
(95)		33.6
(92.5)		35.1
(95.2)
Daily mean °C (°F)23.7
(74.7)		26
(79)		28.8
(83.8)		30.4
(86.7)		30.2
(86.4)		28.3
(82.9)		25.7
(78.3)		25.3
(77.5)		25.9
(78.6)		26.5
(79.7)		23.9
(75.0)		22.5
(72.5)		26.4
(79.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)12.7
(54.9)		14.8
(58.6)		18.3
(64.9)		21.1
(70.0)		22.5
(72.5)		21.6
(70.9)		20.1
(68.2)		19.8
(67.6)		19.7
(67.5)		18.6
(65.5)		12.8
(55.0)		11.4
(52.5)		17.8
(64.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches)0
(0)		0
(0)		1
(0.0)		20
(0.8)		67
(2.6)		107
(4.2)		189
(7.4)		193
(7.6)		146
(5.7)		38
(1.5)		1
(0.0)		0
(0)		762
(29.8)
Source: Climate-Data.org [30]

Education

Birao has primary schools and high schools. Unfortunately, the town faces a scarcity of qualified teachers and an inadequate number of schools for the population. [31]

Security

FACA soldiers are present in Birao and they suffer from logistical issues. The town residents own their personal weapons due to the dire security conditions. [31] [32]

Transport

Donkeys and horses are the main transportation modes in the town, especially on rainy sessions when many roads are inaccessible. The majority of town residents prefer donkey since it is cheap and easy to take care. Road conditions connecting to the town are terrible. Rebel presence along the road is the main factor behind the failure of road rehabilitation. [33]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Oubangui Medias, Oubangui Medias. "Centrafrique : Décrets portant nomination des Gouverneurs, des Préfets et des Sous-Préfets". oubanguimedias.com. Oubangui Medias. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  2. ↑ ""Les Forces armées centrafricaines sont limitées à Birao par manque de moyens de déplacement"". 7 April 2022.
  3. ↑ Kalck pg.24
  4. ↑ Rius, Juan Fandos; Bradshaw, Richard (2016). Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 120. ISBN   9780810879928.
  5. ↑ Serre, Jacques; Fandos-Rius, Juan (2014). Répertoire de l'administration territoriale de la République centrafricaine. Paris: L’Harmattan. p. 64. ISBN   978-2-343-01298-8.
  6. ↑ Serre, Jacques; Fandos-Rius, Juan (2014). Répertoire de l'administration territoriale de la République centrafricaine. Paris: L’Harmattan. p. 166. ISBN   978-2-343-01298-8.
  7. ↑ Titley, pg. 34
  8. ↑ Titley, pg. 37
  9. ↑ Titley, pg. 203
  10. ↑ "Raid on CAR town 'leaves 20 dead'". BBC. 2004-11-23. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  11. ↑ "CAR rebels seize town near Chad". BBC. 2006-10-30. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  12. ↑ "France renders last minute support to Central African Republic", Afrol News, November 14, 2006
  13. ↑ "CAR rebels make fresh call for talk", Independent Online, November 14, 2006
  14. ↑ "Chadian parliament votes in favor of troop deployment to Central African Republic", November 17, 2006
  15. ↑ "Central Africa's Bozize asks EU to push for UN troops" [ dead link ], Reuters , November 17, 2006
  16. ↑ "Annan Urges End to Attacks Near Central African Republic's Border", United Nations, November 11, 2006
  17. ↑ "US Rice hopes Sudan will okay Darfur force" Archived 2016-10-03 at the Wayback Machine , Sudan Tribune , November 17, 2006
  18. ↑ "Sudan 'did not' give ok over international force for Darfur - top official" Archived 2008-04-11 at the Wayback Machine , Kuwait News Agency , November 17, 2006
  19. ↑ "France admits air raids on Darfur neighbours" Archived July 24, 2008, at the Wayback Machine , The Independent, 15 December 2006
  20. ↑ "Central African Republic, rebels sign peace deal", Associated Press (USA Today), April 13, 2007.
  21. 1 2 Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (articles 19, 22 and 35 of the Constitution): Third Item on the Agenda: Information and Reports on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. International Labour Organization. 2010. ISBN   978-92-2-121879-1.
  22. ↑ MINUSCA (May 2017). Report of the Mapping Project documenting serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of Central African Republic between January 2003 and December 2015 (PDF) (Report). MINUSCA. p. 111. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  23. 1 2 Thurston, Alex. "Renewed Violence Prompts Concern in Central African Republic." Africa Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Dec. 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. <http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2010/1203/Renewed-violence-prompts-concern-in-Central-African-Republic>.
  24. ↑ MINUSCA (May 2017). Report of the Mapping Project documenting serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of Central African Republic between January 2003 and December 2015 (PDF) (Report). MINUSCA. p. 112. Retrieved 28 December 2022.
  25. ↑ "CENTRAFRIQUE : L'ULTIMATUM DE NOURREDINE ADAM EXPIRE CE SOIR". 27 June 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-09-15.
  26. ↑ "Letter dated 6 December 2019 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic extended pursuant to resolution 2454 (2019) addressed to the President of the Security Council" (PDF). 14 December 2019.
  27. ↑ Agence France-Presse (February 19, 2020). "CAR says 12 rebels killed in clash with UN troops". Al Jazeera English.
  28. ↑ En Centrafrique, une partie des mercenaires russes commence à quitter le pays, 20 March 2022
  29. ↑ Centrafrique : déploiement massif des soldats FACA et des mercenaires de Wagner à Birao, 8 December 2022
  30. ↑ "Climate: Birao". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  31. 1 2 Refeibona, Belvia Espérance. "Centrafrique : Birao, une ville de ça ne va pas!". oubanguimedias.com. Oubangui Medias. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  32. ↑ Domia-leu, Rolf Steve. "Centrafrique: la situation sécuritaire à Birao (1/3)". rfi.fr. Radio France Internationale. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  33. ↑ Refeibona, Belvia Espérance. "Centrafrique : L'âne et le cheval, les moyens de transport par excellence des habitants de Birao". oubanguimedias.com. Oubangui Medias. Retrieved 25 August 2023.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the Central African Republic</span>

The history of the Central African Republic is roughly composed of four distinct periods. The earliest period of settlement began around 10,000 years ago when nomadic people first began to settle, farm and fish in the region. The next period began around 10,000 years prior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bria, Central African Republic</span> Place in Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic

Bria is the capital of Haute-Kotto, one of the 14 prefectures of the Central African Republic. As of the 2003 census the town had a population of 35,204.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaga-Bandoro</span> Place in Nana-Grébizi, Central African Republic

Kaga-Bandoro is a market town and capital of the Nana-Grébizi prefecture of the Central African Republic. It represents the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kaga–Bandoro. The town has been renamed twice.

Ouadda is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Haute-Kotto.

Ippy is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Ouaka, near the geographic center of the country. It is 364 kilometers from the city of Bangui directly. Driving distance, however, is 496 kilometers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paoua</span> Place in Lim-Pendé, Central African Republic

Paoua is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Lim-Pendé.The town is the birthplace of the former president of the Central African Republic, Ange-Félix Patassé and mathematician, Gaston Nguérékata.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central African Republic Bush War</span> Civil war, 2004–2007

The Central African Republic Bush War was a civil war in the Central African Republic which lasted from 2004 to 2007 between Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR) rebels and government forces. The rebellion began after François Bozizé seized the nation's presidency in 2003. Actual fighting began in 2004. Around 10,000 people were displaced because of the civil unrest.

Ouanda Djallé is a sub-prefecture and town in the prefecture of Vakaga in the Central African Republic. It is located 130 km south of Birao. By population it is one of the smallest sub-prefectures in the country.

Gordil is a town in the Vakaga Prefecture of the northern Central African Republic.

Am Dafok, also spelt Am Dafock, is a Sub-Prefecture and town in the Vakaga prefecture of Central African Republic (CAR). The town sits on the CAR side of the border with Sudan; on the Sudanese side of the border lies Um Dafuq in the state of South Darfur.

Movement of Central African Liberators for Justice was a rebel group in the Central African Republic led by Abakor Sabone. The group had splintered from the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity and was involved in fighting in the Central African Republic Bush War. The group mainly drew from the Kara ethnic group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Democratic Front of the Central African People</span> Anti-government militia in the Central African Republic

The Democratic Front of the Central African People was an anti-government militia in the Central African Republic (CAR). It was one of the major combatants in the CAR Bush War and a member of the Séléka CPSK-CPJP-UFDR alliance of militant groups that overthrew the national government in March 2013.

Bambouti is a sub-prefecture of Haut-Mbomou in the Central African Republic. The town is abandoned by the country.

Sam Ouandja is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Haute-Kotto near the border with Sudan. It has historically served as important arms trafficking hub for armed groups in Central African Republic. Artisanal diamond mining is also active in the commune.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mboki</span> Sub-prefecture and town in Haut-Mbomou, Central African Republic

Mboki is a town and sub-prefecture in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture of the south-eastern Central African Republic.

In March 2022 Russian mercenaries from Wagner Group supported by armed forces launched an offensive against armed groups in the northeastern parts of the Central African Republic (CAR) during which they killed dozens of rebels and possibly hundreds of civilians including citizens of Chad, Niger, Sudan and CAR who were working there as artisanal miners, herders and camel drivers while displacing thousands. The events have been described by multiple sources including domestic in the Central African Republic as well as in Sudan based on survivor testimony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiringoulou</span> Place in Vakaga, Central African Republic

Tiringoulou, also spelled Tirigoulou or Tiroungoulou, is a village in the Vakaga Prefecture in the northern Central African Republic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikkikede</span> Place in Vakaga, Central African Republic

Sikkikede , also spelled Sikikédé and Sikikede, is a town in Vakaga Prefecture, Central African Republic. It is the largest settlement in Vakaga, with a population of around 20.000 people. CPJP established the headquarter in Sikkikede.

Tissi, also known as Tissi-Fongoro, is a village situated across the Central African Republic-Chad border in Vakaga Prefecture, Central African Republic. Tissi is the northernmost settlement in the Central African Republic.

On January 3, 2021, rebels from the CPC coalition and FPRC attacked Bangassou, the capital of Mbomou, Central African Republic, sparking clashes with MINUSCA peacekeepers. The CPC captured Bangassou within hours on January 3, forcing thousands of civilians to flee to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or to the MINUSCA base in Bangassou. The CPC abandoned the city on January 17 following an ultimatum by MINUSCA. The battle of Bangassou was part of a larger series of CPC attacks on Central African cities during and after the 2020–21 Central African general election.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.