[2][3] The city is located on the right bank and facing the rapids of the Ubangi River, which is the border with Congo DRC.

In early January 2013, Séléka rebels arrived in Satema following withdrawal of armed forces.

[5] In November 2016 it was reported that Satema was under the control of the rebel group known as the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic.

[6] Since at least 2017, it is under control of anti-balaka militias which reportedly as of 2019 engage in forced marriage, kidnappings and ritual killings in the subprefecture.

[7] On 4 April 2021 it was reported that 50 Anti-balaka fighters led by General Ndagou with automatic weapons were based in Satema.