Birao is the capital of Vakaga, one of the 14 prefectures of the Central African Republic and was an administrative post in the colony of Ubangui-Shari.

[9] In November 2004, at least 20 people were killed in a raid on the remote town of Birao in the north-east of the Central African Republic.

[16] Chad's decision to deploy troops to the CAR came as hopes for a deal with Sudan over peacekeeping forces in Darfur proved premature.

French Defence Ministry spokesman said the action was "in line with international calls to stabilise the region".

[22] On November 15, 2010, United Nations forces returned control of Birao to the government of the Central African Republic.

[23] Later in November, a rebel group called the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace captured Birao.

[23] On December 1, 2010, Birao was captured by the army of Chad, on behalf of the government of the Central African Republic.

[24] On 26 June 2014 international forces left Birao following ultimatum by Popular Front for the Rebirth of Central African Republic (FPRC) armed group.

[27] On 15 March 2022 Russian mercenaries from Wagner Group temporarily entered Birao before returning to N'dele.

[29] Birao has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh), more akin to N'Djamena or Niamey than to the rest of the Central African Republic.