60 Peul Herdsmen Massacred in Central African Republic Violence

Between February 14 and 19, 60 Peul herdsmen were killed in organized attacks by the anti-Balaka militia in the Central African Republic. The militia, possibly trained by Russian mercenaries, used advanced weaponry, leading to significant casualties and survivors struggling with trauma. Local leaders are implicated in the violence, and assessments of damages are underway in response to the crisis.

Between February 14 and 19, a series of organized massacres in the Central African Republic resulted in the deaths of sixty Peul herdsmen near Bozoum. The attacks were perpetrated by the anti-Balaka militia, which is reportedly armed with military-grade weapons and possibly trained by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. The assaults left numerous victims and traumatized survivors navigating through the aftermath of the violence.

The violence initially erupted in Mboforo village, where anti-Balaka forces targeted the Peul population, killing several individuals and wounding others. As the situation escalated, on February 15, a large-scale assault occurred at a Peul herdsmen camp led by Alhadji Tambaya, resulting in near-total fatalities of its inhabitants. Only four individuals survived from this camp, illustrating the chaos and brutality inflicted during the onslaught.

Witnesses identified Blaise, the chief of Yaou village, as a key figure orchestrating the attacks. His brother Dabare played a significant role in managing the aftermath, including the burials of the deceased victims. Another individual named Bello, known for past violence and criminal activities, is believed to be coordinating the militia actions, with support from the Wagner group’s mercenaries.

Local authorities are currently assessing the damage caused by these events, facing the daunting tasks of providing medical assistance to the wounded and accounting for the losses. Reports from Bozoum hospital indicate that some survivors are critically injured, indicating the severe physical toll of these massacres on the Peul community.

The sequence of events from February 14 to 19 highlights a systematic massacre of Peul herdsmen in the Central African Republic, driven by the anti-Balaka militia and reportedly backed by Wagner group mercenaries. Local leaders are implicated in orchestrating this violence, with significant casualties and trauma inflicted upon the herdsmen community. Authorities face challenges in aiding the survivors and managing the consequences of these tragic events, while calls for accountability and awareness of the ongoing conflict intensify.

Original Source: humanglemedia.com