They had started their offensive two weeks earlier at the capital of the Vakaga prefecture, Birao, where 50-60 rebels managed to chase away 60 government soldiers posted in the city.

They then took nine vehicles, including two pick-ups mounted with 14.5 mm heavy machine guns that were left by the government troops and continued south towards Ouanda Djallé.

All of these towns were finally taken back by the Central African Republic military force, supported by French troops on 27 November.

[5] Following the Séléka takeover of the country in 2013 Ouadda Djalle had been under control of ex-Séléka armed groups, including FPRC, RPRC and UPC which used the town to tax movement of goods from Sudan.

Most people live in the western parts of the Central African Republic, and this town is located far from the capital, dependent on bad roads.