Due to the fuel shortage in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, in constant contact with Central African authorities, has undertaken to source fuel primarily from outside the country.
In a 3-minute 42-second video posted on Facebook and a communiqué No. 25/22 published by the platform “La Galaxie Nationale Centrafricaine” on June 22, 2022, and shared in various discussion groups, particularly on WhatsApp, this information claims that “MINUSCA imported 19 fuel tankers to Birao.”
In an excerpt from this video, the author claims that this information was relayed to him by residents of Birao, a town in the extreme northeast of the Central African Republic and the capital of Vakaga Prefecture, located approximately 1,067 km from Bangui.
The fuel mentioned in this publication was delivered by plane and escorted by Central African security and defense forces in the presence of local authorities and MINUSCA, in agreement with the government, during the fuel crisis.
Why is this information true but taken out of context?
To clarify this information and establish the truth to put an end to the spread of this rumor, the AFC editorial team contacted MINUSCA through Mr. Guy Kerema, who confirmed that the information is true. He also pointed out that they had already explained the circumstances under which MINUSCA ordered this fuel during a press conference on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.
MINUSCA spokesperson Vladimir Montéro explained during the press conference that since May 2022, MINUSCA has been facing a fuel crisis affecting both its headquarters in Bangui and its field offices in the prefectures. “In constant contact with Central African authorities, MINUSCA’s leadership has undertaken to source fuel primarily from outside the Central African Republic. In this context, MINUSCA sourced fuel from Sudan for its Birao office and from South Sudan for its Obo office,” he said.
He also specified that “the fuel from South Sudan supported electoral mapping operations and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) operations conducted by Central African authorities in Zémio and Mboki.”
“Given the urgency of the needs, the distance between these two cities and Bangui, and the impassable state of the roads during the rainy season, this solution was intended to prevent the interruption of MINUSCA’s activities in these two locations, particularly in terms of civilian protection,” he added, noting that MINUSCA appreciates the ongoing cooperation with the Central African government, which allows the Mission to continue executing the priority tasks of its mandate.
Furthermore, AFC contacted the Sub-Prefect of Birao, who clarified the true facts.
In a phone interview with AFC, Léonard Mbélé, Sub-Prefect of Birao, also explained: “This agreement dates back three years, and even the Central African government is aware of this refueling. As the Sub-Prefect of Birao, I was present with the gendarmerie, police, and customs team, including the ASRP (Agency for Stabilization and Regulation of Petroleum Product Prices), during the arrival of the refueling plane. In total, there were 19 tankers filled with fuel, escorted by the police and gendarmerie from the airstrip to the MINUSCA base.”
It is important to note that this agreement between MINUSCA and the government, which dates back three years, allows MINUSCA to source fuel from outside Central African territory during a fuel crisis to facilitate the movement of its contingents for the protection of the civilian population in Birao.
Be cautious of information circulating on social media, as some may be taken out of context.
By AFC
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