Bangassou

History

During the French colonial occupation of Congo Free State, the French military established a base at Bangassou. In 1922 the Spiritains established a Catholic mission in the town. In 1931 the société cotonnière Comouna built a cotton processing plant in the town. In 1935 the town became the capital of the Department of Mbomou. Together with Sibut, Bangassou received electricity in 1980. Bangassou has been a sultanate since at least the early 18th century. It was founded by the Bamba Bambari peoples. The Sultan since 2011 has been Maxime Faustin Mbringa Takama. He is one of many non-sovereign African monarchs. On 11 March 2013 Seleka rebels occupied the town. On 10 October 2013, their leader and 30 rebels were arrested by authorities. In May 2017 Anti-balaka attacked and for a few days occupied the town resulting in more than 100 deaths. On January 3, 2021, rebel fighters backed by François Bozizé captured the town, according to MINUSCA. They withdrew from the town on 16 January and moved towards Niakari.