Central African Prime Minister Félix Moloua Visits Birao Following Am Dafock Attack
On Saturday, July 6 2024, Central African Republic (CAR) Prime Minister Félix Moloua traveled to the northeastern town of Birao to address residents after a deadly assault on the border village of Am Dafock on June 30. Accompanied by several cabinet members, the Prime Minister inaugurated a newly constructed health centre and reiterated the government’s commitment to development and security in the Vakaga region.
The June 30 Am Dafock Incident
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA), armed gunmen launched a surprise attack on Am Dafock—a settlement roughly 65 kilometres southwest of Birao—resulting in the deaths of members of the national army, security forces, and civilians. While the exact casualty toll remains unconfirmed, local officials told Reuters that “dozens” were killed and many more injured.
The assault prompted a rapid displacement of residents. MINUSCA estimated that over 3,000 people fled the area within 48 hours, seeking shelter in nearby towns or crossing into Sudan. Humanitarian organisations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), have begun distributing food and emergency supplies to the displaced population.
Government Response and Development Initiatives
During his visit, Prime Minister Moloua highlighted two priority tracks: immediate humanitarian relief and longer‑term stability through infrastructure and reconciliation.
- Health centre inauguration – The newly opened facility in Birao provides maternal care, vaccination services, and basic emergency treatment, addressing a critical gap identified by the Ministry of Health in its 2023 health‑system assessment.
- Security reassurance – Moloua stated that the armed forces would increase patrols along the CAR‑Sudan border and coordinate with MINUSCA to deter further incursions.
- Development pledge – The Prime Minister announced funding for road repairs linking Birao to the regional capital, Bangui, and for the expansion of agricultural extension services in Vakaga, aiming to boost local livelihoods and reduce reliance on informal economies that can fuel conflict.
Call for Disarmament and Reintegration
Addressing the armed groups operating in the border zone, Moloua delivered a firm yet conciliatory message:
“The fun is over. It is time for you to lay down your weapons, join the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, and help turn the tide toward peace and social cohesion.”
The DDR programme, overseen by the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (NCDDR) with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), offers vocational training, cash assistance, and community reintegration pathways for former combatants. As of June 2024, the programme had processed 1,200 ex‑fighters nationwide, according to the UNDP CAR country report.
Regional Context: Spillover from Sudan’s Conflict
The instability in Am Dafock reflects broader pressures stemming from the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023. Cross‑border raids, arms trafficking, and refugee flows have intensified since then, particularly affecting the Vakaga and Haute‑Kotto prefectures.
Analysts from the International Crisis Group note that “the porous frontier and limited state presence create opportunities for armed groups to exploit vacuums of authority” (ICG, July 2024). Strengthening border management and fostering dialogue with Sudanese authorities are therefore seen as essential steps to curb violence.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Moloua’s visit underscores the CAR government’s dual strategy of addressing immediate humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable peace. Continued engagement with international partners—such as the African Union, the European Union, and UN agencies—will be crucial to monitor progress, ensure accountability, and support the DDR process.
For readers seeking updates on the situation, reliable sources include the MINUSCA daily briefings, Reuters Africa desk, and the UNDP CAR portal, all of which provide verified data on casualty figures, displacement numbers, and programme outcomes.
