Latest articles on Central African Republic from Reuters Alertnet
12 September 2007:EU agrees to send troops to Chad, CAR
12 June 2007:UN halts aid to northwest CAR after aid worker shot
05 June 2007:Attacks displace up to 20,000 Central Africans - UN
30 May 2007:Armed bandits attack UN convoy in Central African Republic
29 May 2007:Kidnapped health workers released but NGOs stay away
21 April 2007:Thousands flee fighting in Central African Republic
21 March 2007:Central African town left empty after clashes -UN
04 March 2007:Central African rebels clash with French forces
03 March 2007:Rebels re-enter Central Africa town -- French army
26 January 2007:Violence increasing in Central African Republic
16 January 2007:Rebels raid Central African Republic aid town
12 December 2006:Army recaptures last rebel-held town
28 November 2006:France helps CAR gov't in offensive against rebels
20 November 2006:Army makes aid agencies stop work in northwest CAR
17 November 2006:FACTBOX-Chad-CAR-Sudan triangle is crucible of violence
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General Security Information
Terrorism/Security
The threat from Terrorism is low but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Basic Facts
Capital
Bangui
Language
French is the official language; Sango is the lingua franca
Ethnic Groups
Baya (Gbaya) 33 percent, Banda 27 percent, Mandjia 13 percent, Sara 10 percent. Other minorities include the Mboum, M'baka and Yakoma.
Religion
Protestant 25 percent, Roman Catholic 25 percent, traditional African religions 24 percent, Muslim 15 percent
Local Laws and Customs
You should carry identification at all times (either a residence permit or a certified copy of your passport). Failure to produce such identification can lead to detention by the police.
Penalties for the use and possession of drugs are severe.
The purchase of diamonds or precious stones is prohibited except through those agents authorised by the Government. All cultural artefacts are subject to an export tax.
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Central African society and some sexual acts between members of the same sex are illegal.
Crime
Incidents of theft and robbery occur regularly and armed gangs are known to operate in the outlying areas of Bangui. You should take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. You should avoid avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public. You should avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night.
Key Expressions
- I am a journalist: Je suis journaliste
- Can you help me?: Pouvez-vous m'aider?
- I need a doctor: J'ai besoin d'un docteur
Useful Information
Time Zone
GMT +1
Climate
Hot all year, with high temperatures; dry season from November to February, with cooler nights, and rainy season from May to October. The north is very hot all year round
Telephone dialling code
(+) 236
Currency
CFA Franc.
Travel
Visa Requirements
(Business) Visa is required
You will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the country. Failure to do so may result in a further vaccination being administered, for which a charge is made.
Driving (Left/Right)
Right
Air Safety
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm
Local Travel
Although peaceful elections were carried out in May 2005, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside Bangui following the 2003 coup d’etat. If you must travel outside Bangui you should check first on the current situation in the areas through which you plan to travel, with your local contacts, the local authorities and diplomatic missions.
The north of the country, especially the areas bordering Cameroon and Chad, is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. Armed gangs have ambushed and attacked villages for the purpose of robbery and kidnap for ransom. Road convoys have not been exempt from these attacks. The instability in this region has intensified in the first quarter of 2006 and appears to be spreading further south than in the past; the Mayor of Bossangoa was killed in one of these attacks in mid-March 2006.
Petrol shortages are common: if you travel outside Bangui, you are advised to carry reserves. Roads are poorly maintained and most require a four-wheel drive vehicle. You should seek local advice before travelling and we strongly recommend that you do not travel after dark.
Health
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Medical facilities are extremely limited. You should ensure that you are covered for medical evacuation by air ambulance.
Water-borne diseases are also endemic. Drinking water should be filtered and boiled or bought in brand bottles with unbroken seals. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards.
HIV/AIDS are prevalent.
You are advised to seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.
Diseases
Malaria is endemic. Before travelling you should take medical advice on suitable anti-malarial medication, and during your stay in CAR ensure that you take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.
Meningitis outbreaks are common during the six-month dry season that starts in December, especially in the country's north, which lies within the African meningitis belt stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia.
Medical supplies and facilities
Strikes by government workers have affected medical services and hospitals.
Landmines
In October 2002, landmines—apparently antivehicle only—were used for the first time in the Central African Republic. Rebels loyal to General François Bozize reportedly laid landmines when they invaded the capital of Bangui
PRACTICAL INFO 
