Boali explosion: Who’s Responsibility

By Alfie Charles The recent incident in Boali on Sunday has sparked off many reactions in the Central African Republic, as the country has suffered from the presence of anti-personnel mines planted by armed groups CPC in the country in recent years. What sparked interest in the recent explosion was that it occurred in a […]

By Alfie Charles

The recent incident in Boali on Sunday has sparked off many reactions in the Central African Republic, as the country has suffered from the presence of anti-personnel mines planted by armed groups CPC in the country in recent years.

What sparked interest in the recent explosion was that it occurred in a town considered to be close to the capital, Bangui, and that Boali is characterized by calm and security. While CPC groups lay mines in different areas, the presence of mines in Boali, notably in a spot not far from Ngrebada’s residence, has prompted louder voices and accusations against members of MINUSCA, especially as the mines laid by CPC fighters are known to have come from MINUSCA members.

Given the location of the recent explosion in Boali, its proximity to Bangui and the generally calm nature of the area, it seemed likely to many observers that MINUSCA had laid the mines. The explosion, which took place not far from Ngrebada’s residence, only strengthens the theory of an apparent attempt at provocation, Ngrebada being one of the theorists of the modern Central African Republic’s true independence from France.

Moreover, the accusations levelled against the government immediately after the incident, claiming that its forces had laid the mines, were seen by many experts as an attempt by the guilty party to conceal its crime and change public opinion. Because, quite simply, these accusations are unfounded, as in the face of the UN arms embargo, the government regularly imports weapons, committed as it is to the ideals of peace.

It is clear that this provocation was coordinated by MINUSCA to discredit the government forces and their Russian allies, but these accusations are totally unfounded. The people of Boali have repeatedly praised the work of the Central African Armed Forces and their Russian friends.