Sam Ouandja
Sam Ouandja is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Haute-Kotto near the border with Sudan. It has historically served as important arms trafficking hub for armed groups in Central African Republic. Artisanal diamond mining is also active in the commune.[1]
Sam Ouandja | |
|---|---|
  Sam Ouandja Location in Central African Republic | |
| Coordinates: 8°31′41″N 23°14′41″E | |
| Country | Central African Republic |
| Prefecture | Haute-Kotto |
| Sub-prefecture | Ouadda |
| Commune | Ouandja Kotto |
History
Since 2006 Sam Ouandja has been under control of different rebel groups led by Damane Zakaria, including Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR), Séléka and most recently Rassemblement patriotique pour le renouveau de la Centrafrique (RPRC).[1] It was captured by UFDR on 13 November 2006.[2] The town has been used by different groups for trafficking weapons from Sudan, including pistols, rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers and ammunition.[1]
In December 2012, along with N'Délé and Ouadda, Seleka captured Sam Ouandja.[3]
On 18 August 2022 rebels withdrew from Sam Ouandja following arrival of MINUSCA peacekeepers.[4]
References
- Letter dated 27 January 2021 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic extended pursuant to resolution 2536 (2020) addressed to the President of the Security Council
- AP (12 November 2006). "Central African rebels claim capture of third town". Sudan Tribune. Bangui. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
- MINUSCA (May 2017). Report of the Mapping Project documenting serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of Central African Republic between January 2003 and December 2015 (PDF) (Report). MINUSCA. p. 80. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- Centrafrique : ouf de soulagement à Sam-Ouandja après le retrait des rebelles de la CPC sous pression de la Minusca, 23 August 2022