After a decade of security crisis that shook the town of Alindao, located in the prefecture of Basse-Kotto, in the Central African Republic, the region’s economy is on the ground. Between robberies and burning of vehicles, the free movement of goods and people is a challenge. Traders are robbed, sometimes killed. Practicing trade today is an obstacle course in Basse-Kotto.
From our correspondent, back from Alindao,
At the Alindao bus station, two trucks are about to leave. In a few minutes they will be in the “jungle” as they say. After kilometer 17, concern is growing. Difficult to circulate without being escorted by loyalist forces. Anything can happen at any time.
Marcos, a merchant, describes the impact of this ordeal on his economic activity. “ Armed men are everywhere in the bush. They observe passing vehicles and motorcycles. When there is no military escort, they go out to commit their crime. When we fall into their ambush, they strip us of all our possessions. They physically attack us and sometimes they murder. »
Overwhelmed traders
We are in Kabou village. The road here is in very poor condition. Tree trunks often block the road, sometimes you have to cut them with a machete to clear the way. Armed men erected a dozen barriers between Alindao and Bambari, towns 120 kilometers apart.
Boris, a trader, says he is overwhelmed. “ See for yourself, it’s not a road! Humanitarian vehicles can travel on this road, but for us individuals, it is very difficult. Currently, I am going to Bangui to bring back cement. The owner of the truck has set the fare at 2,500,000 CFA francs. With the illegal barriers that abound, I will also pay formalities fees. For us, it is untenable. »
The demand for more Central African armed forces in Basse-Kotto
To revive the region’s economy, Guy Mathurin Mozomo Séssé, mayor of Alindao, is asking for the reinforcement of the Central African armed forces in Basse-Kotto. ” It is the condition of the road that causes traders to raise the prices of basic necessities. The road is not good. Farmers cannot evacuate their agricultural products normally. For me, I make a strong appeal to the government to increase the number of FSI, for example the gendarmes, the police, the Faca who are not numerous here in Alindao to ensure the safety of the population. »
The prefecture of Basse-Kotto was, for nearly 10 years, the stronghold of the UPC armed group. After the liberation of the main towns by the Central African armed forces and their allies, the rebels changed their strategy and became highway robbers. The population is asphyxiated and socio-economic activities are slowing down.