Zemio

Zemio

Zemio

Sub-prefecture and town in Haut-Mbomou, Central African Republic

Zemio is a town and sub-prefecture in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture of the south-eastern Central African Republic. Zemio was the former capital of the Sultanate of Zemio before it was abolished in 1923 by France.[3]

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History

French Congo colonial government sent five prisoners from Annam to Zemio to work for the French garrison in 1896. The workers planted rice, banana, and tobacco and established a settlement near the town. The prisoners stayed in Zemio until 10 April 1904, when they had to move to Brazzaville.[4] In 1924, a missionary named John Buyse established AIM mission station in Zemio.[5]

In the 1970s, Zemio was the center of the illegal ivory trade.[3]

Central African Republic Civil War (2012-present)

In May 2014, Anti-balaka militia from Bahr attacked Zemio.[6] From 18 to 21 November 2014, a sectarian clash between Muslims and Christians ensued in Zemio, resulting in two people dead, two missing, and 15 injured. Thirty-eight houses were burned in Mama 1 neighborhood.[7]

On 28 June 2017 Ugandan forces withdrew from Zemio. Armed Muslims entered town killing at least 28 civilians.[8] As of January 2021 Zemio remains under control of Union for Peace in the Central African Republic rebel groups.[9]

Demography

Ethnic Groups

Zemio is a diverse town. It is inhabited by Zande, Banda, Runga, Gula, Peuhl, and Arabs.[10]

Religion

Parish of St. Jean Baptiste

Christians from Catholic and Protestant denominations and Muslims can be found in Zemio. In addition, there is a catholic church, a Protestant church, and a mosque in the town.[11]

Economy

Agriculture is the main source of income for the town residents. Other than that, some town residents engage in fishing, hunting, and honey-gathering activities for their livelihood.[12] As of August 2023, Zemio is considered the most expensive city in Central African Republic. One bag of flour and sugar is priced at 70,000 and 80,000 CFA Francs, respectively. Deplorable road conditions lead to Zemio, causing the journey from Bangui to Zemio to take two months, and the increase in fuel fare are attributed to the skyrocketting price of commodities in the town.[13]

Healthcare

There are two health centers in the town, which are owned by the government and Africa Inland Mission.[14] Currently, the public health center has only one doctor.[15]

Security

Since 2018, no FACA soldiers or gendarmeries have been present in the town. The town's security is only served by the Morocco contingent of MINUSCA. As a result, robbery cases in Zemio are often occurred.[16]

Transport

The town is served by Zemio Airport.

  • Zemio sub-prefect's office

References

  1. [1]
    Ndeke Luka, Ndeke Luka. "Zémio : "Jusque-là, on vit sans les forces de sécurité intérieure"". radiondekeluka.org. Radio Ndeke Luka. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  2. [2]
    "Centrafrique : colère et stupéfaction des habitants de Zémio contre les taxes illégales instaurées par le maire de la ville". 19 July 2022.
  3. [3]
    Rius, Juan Fandos; Bradshaw, Richard (2016). Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 659. ISBN 9780810879928.
  4. [4]
    Pearson, Mark; Fandos-Rius, Juan (2018). Le Cimetière Colonial (PDF) (Report). p. 12. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  5. [5]
    Rius, Juan Fandos; Bradshaw, Richard (2016). Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. iv. ISBN 9780810879928.
  6. [6]
    Concordis (October 2021). Rapport du projet RELSUDE : Analyse des conflits à Zemio (PDF) (Report). p. 10. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  7. [7]
    ACTED (31 December 2014). Rapport d’Evaluation Multisectorielle - RRM: Barh, Bogou, Aliwali Sous-préfecture Zémio - Décembre 2014 (PDF) (Report). p. 3. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  8. [8]
    "Central African Republic: Civilians Targeted as Violence Surges". 27 October 2017.
  9. [9]
    RCA : les rebelles du CPC occupent Zémio et sont en route pour Obo, 23 January 2021
  10. [10]
    Concordis (October 2021). Rapport du projet RELSUDE : Analyse des conflits à Zemio (PDF) (Report). p. 8. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  11. [11]
    Concordis (October 2021). Rapport du projet RELSUDE : Analyse des conflits à Zemio (PDF) (Report). p. 23. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  12. [12]
    Concordis (October 2021). Rapport du projet RELSUDE : Analyse des conflits à Zemio (PDF) (Report). p. 17. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  13. [13]
    Ndeke Luka, Ndeke Luka. "Centrafrique : Zemio, ville la plus chère de la RCA ?". radiondekeluka.org. Radio Ndeke Luka. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  14. [14]
    World Health Organization (March 2017). Enquête rapide sur l'estimation des besoins de santé des populations affectées par la crise en République Centrafricaine en 2016 (PDF) (Report). p. UU. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  15. [15]
    Ndeke Luka, Ndeke Luka. "Centrafrique : la ville de Zemio en passe d'être décimée par le VIH/Sida ?". radiondekeluka.org. Radio Ndeke Luka. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  16. [16]
    Ndeke Luka, Ndeke Luka. "Centrafrique : l'absence des FDS plonge davantage la ville de Zémio dans une crise sécuritaire profonde". radiondekeluka.org. Radio Ndeke Luka. Retrieved 25 August 2023.


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