At least seven individuals have been killed in a four-day armed conflict between herders and villagers in the Central African Republic’s southwest area, according to local media.
Reports from local sources confirmed the casualties, with several others sustaining injuries amid the violence.
The confrontation unfolded on Saturday between a group of herdsmen and residents of Gazi-Beya village, situated 60 kilometers from Boganangone in the Lobaye prefecture, in the southern part of the country.
The incident triggered swift action from authorities, leading to an extensive mobilization of Central African military personnel and affiliated colleagues to restore peace in the area.
Boganangone’s sub-prefect governor, Jean-Claude Ndaba-Kola, confirmed the deployment, highlighting the urgency of stabilizing the situation to prevent further loss of life.
According to Ndaba-Kola, the conflict had been triggered by the theft of a cow owned by the herders, which resulted in their retaliatory killing of a young villager.
The official added that this turn of events has led numerous residents to evacuate their homes in search of somewhere more secure.
Speaking about the necessity for preventive measures, Ndaba-Kola pointed out the need to elevate the presence of military and security forces in the region to avert future escalation of violence.