Central African Republic armed rebellion

Armed rebels moved toward Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), in December, taking control of some neighboring towns. The rebels came into direct conflict with UN peacekeepers and Rwandan troops who were present at the request of the CAR government. The two forces combined to prevent the rebels from entering Bangui.

Former CAR president François Bozizé has been accused of backing the rebels as part of a coup attempt, which he denies. Bozizé was ruled ineligible for a presidential election that was held on Dec. 27, 2020.