Additional Context: The loss of these informal information-sharing agreements with officials of the U.S. embassy could affect U.S. national security strategy and ongoing security cooperation with local governments.

Devex Researcher Note: Restrictions to U.S. diplomats in the Central African Republic are heavy, multifarious, and shifting. While formal travel restrictions prohibit U.S. diplomats from traveling out of Bangui without special authorization, rampant violence and conflict had made it very difficult even for aid groups to access remote areas controlled by armed groups and soldiers.

The former director of strategic operational planning at the National Counterterrorism Center said USAID’s local relationships often provided informal channels for information-sharing, cooperation, and local access in fragile regions. He warned that the loss of those networks could create openings for armed groups or other external actors.

Source: Anonymous