CAR: LRA Rebel Attack as Election Campaign Proceeds

Ugandan rebels of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) headed by Joseph Kony attacked two villages in the south of the Central African Republic (CAR), abducting 12 civilians, for the most part women, and causing significant damages. According to the local media, the villages are Agoumar, near Rafai, and Madabazouma, around 100km from Bangassou.

The residents of the area live in fear of rebel attacks, active for the past two years in the country.

The episode comes ahead of elections, in which citizens will be called to the polls on Sunday to choose a new President and 105 legislators on 885.

The election material has already been distributed throughout the territory by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). No incidents linked to the campaign have been reported since it started January 10.