Zemio

Zemio is a town and sub-prefecture in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture of the south-eastern Central African Republic. Zemio was the former capital of the Sultanate of Zemio before it was abolished in 1923 by France.[2]

Zemio
Sub-prefecture and town
Parish of St. Jean Baptiste
Parish of St. Jean Baptiste
Sub-prefectures of Haut-Mbomou
Sub-prefectures of Haut-Mbomou
Zemio is located in Central African Republic
Zemio
Zemio
Location in the Central African Republic
Coordinates: 5°2′N 25°8′E
Country Central African Republic
PrefectureHaut-Mbomou
ControlUnion for Peace in the Central African Republic
Government
 • MayorRosalie Nawira[1]
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)

History

French Congo colonial government sent five prisoners from Annam to Zemio to work for the French garrison in 1896. The workers planted rice, banana, and tobacco and established a settlement near the town. The prisoners stayed in Zemio until 10 April 1904, when they had to move to Brazzaville.[3] In 1924, a missionary named John Buyse established AIM mission station in Zemio.[4]

In the 1970s, Zemio was the center of the illegal ivory trade.[2]

On 28 June 2017 Ugandan forces withdrew from Zemio. Armed Muslims entered town killing at least 28 civilians.[5] As of January 2021 Zemio remains under control of Union for Peace in the Central African Republic rebel groups.[6]

Transport

The town is served by Zemio Airport.

References
  1. "Centrafrique : colère et stupéfaction des habitants de Zémio contre les taxes illégales instaurées par le maire de la ville". 19 July 2022.
  2. Rius, Juan Fandos; Bradshaw, Richard (2016). Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 659. ISBN 9780810879928.
  3. Pearson, Mark; Fandos-Rius, Juan (2018). Le Cimetière Colonial (PDF) (Report). p. 12. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  4. Rius, Juan Fandos; Bradshaw, Richard (2016). Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. iv. ISBN 9780810879928.
  5. "Central African Republic: Civilians Targeted as Violence Surges". 27 October 2017.
  6. RCA : les rebelles du CPC occupent Zémio et sont en route pour Obo, 23 January 2021


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