29 February-6 March 2016

1. Touadera confirmed as president by Constitutional Court

"Confirmé président en Centrafrique, Touadera." Voice of America, via Centrafrique Presse Info (CPI), 2 March 2016. In French.

• The Constitutional Court confirmed that Faustin Archange Touadera officially won the second round of presidential elections in CAR.
• In an interview with Voice of America, Touadera said that he will make peace and social cohesion his priority.
• Touadera also called for the disarmament of armed groups in the country and for a renewal of intercommunal dialogue

“La CCT déclare Faustin Archange Touadera président de la République.” Radio Ndeke Luka, 1 March 2016. In French.

• The Constitutional Court in CAR declared on Tuesday that Faustin Archange Touadera is the official winner of the presidential elections.
• The Court stated that Touadera won 62.69% of the vote, compared to 37.31% won by his opponent, Anicet Georges Dologuélé.
• In a statement, Touadera congratulated his opponent and called for peace and social cohesion in the country. 

2. Violence breaks out near Bambari

"Trois civils tués à Bambari jeudi lors d'un affrontement." Radio Ndeke Luka, 4 March 2016. In French.

• At least three civilians were killed in the town of Bambari during a firefight between armed Antibalaka and Peuhl groups with ties to the ex-Seleka general Ali Darass. 
• The local hospital reported that an additional three people were injured in the fighting.
• Local authorities criticized the slow response of gendarmerie and MINUSCA troops in Bambari, who they said refused to engage to stop the fighting.

"Bambari bascule à nouveau dans les violences communautaires." APA, via AfricaTime, 4 March 2016. In French. 

• Violence has broken out in the town of Bambari, approximately 300 km from Bangui.
• According to certain sources, the violence started when a group of armed Peuhls kidnapped a dozen women near a camp for internally displaced people.
• In recent days there has also been fighting between antibalaka and ex-Seleka groups in the town of Alindao, 120 km from Bambari, following the disappearance of two Muslim youths.

"Armed men kill 12 in Central African Republic." Voice of America, 6 March 2016. In English.

• At least 12 people have been killed in the town of Bambari in recent days.
• Local officials reportedly said that this latest violence is likely related to livestock rustling or interethnic fighting involving nomadic Peuhls.
• This is the first episode of violence in the country since the election of the new president, Fautin Archange Touadera.