The United States is temporarily closing its embassy in the Central African Republic as a rebel force known as Seleka inches closer to the capital city of Bangui. Earlier in the day, C.A.R. dictator Francois Bozize asked the U.S. and France for help defending the capital. As some tweeters point out, these developments seem to throw a new light on just how bad things could get in the C.A.R.
Dang, we dont close embassys for nothing RT @KarenKilberg: US out of Central African Republic http://t.co/Ut4SC55s
— Arnie (@GoingSubSaharan) December 28, 2012
Incredibly interesting country, deeply tragic history. Never long stable. RT @lesley_warner: #CAR: http://t.co/WC3IbbuW via @texasinafrica
— Howard French (@hofrench) December 27, 2012
Ominous sign. RT @dana_hughes: State Dept confirms last full suspension of a U.S. Embassy was #Syria. #CAR
— Jeremy BLACK LIVES MATTER Konyndyk (@JeremyKonyndyk) December 28, 2012
The Syria comparison is jarring. If it’s that bad, this could become a big deal.
ABC’s State Department correspondent Dana Hughes has been all over this story on Twitter, so she’s definitely a feed to watch as the situation progresses.
DOD has no plans for evacuation..for now. RT @Semhar: #US Out of Central African Republic. http://t.co/h2wj1i8D h/t @texasinafrica #CAR
— Dana Hughes (@dana_hughes) December 28, 2012
@lesley_warner Prob some of both. State dept is also highly conscious of security right now following #Benghazi
— Dana Hughes (@dana_hughes) December 28, 2012
@Semhar @JeremyKonyndyk "temporarily" closing down same as full suspension. Amb/staff lv, embassy closes doors. Didn't even happen in #Libya
— Dana Hughes (@dana_hughes) December 28, 2012
Recommended
15-30 US special ops forces r in #CAR working w/military on #Kony. Wonder what happens if rebels take Bangui & govt (tho weak) falls?
— Dana Hughes (@dana_hughes) December 28, 2012
DOD official: US military LRA operation in #CAR "unaffected" by embassy closing and will continue. Bases 800 miles away from #Bangui
— Dana Hughes (@dana_hughes) December 28, 2012
Former governement official Cameron Hudson had some interesting thoughts.
All US Emb evac plans start with: call the French. Guaranteed Paris told State to get Commercial flights. Happened in CdI in '02, Chad '07
— Cameron Hudson (@_hudsonc) December 28, 2012
Evac of AmEmb Bangui has nothing to do with intensity of conflict there. Everything to do with our inability to evac quickly IF it gets bad.
— Cameron Hudson (@_hudsonc) December 28, 2012
Moorehouse College Central Africa specialist Laura Seay also seems to be a good resource.
It's almost impossible to evacuate quickly from Bangui. So few international flights, planes available. Logistics nightmare. #CAR
— Laura Seay (@texasinafrica) December 28, 2012
@Semhar There are some US NGOs operating in CAR. Plus US military deployed in Obo. And some missionaries. But pretty limited, probably <200.
— Laura Seay (@texasinafrica) December 28, 2012
Blogger Christopher Carlson also has some good knowledge on the situation and who the players are.
#Chad is sending 2000 soldiers to #CAR. #France remains silent, a disgrace that #Hollonde has made the country of deGaul into a paper tiger!
— Carl (@CarlPerspective) December 28, 2012
#Seleka is an alliance of SEVERAL different rebel groups.If they take control of #CAR there is no knowing who will take control of the state
— Carl (@CarlPerspective) December 28, 2012
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