| Submit your comments on this article |
| Africa Subsaharan |
| Central African Republic head in talks with militias |
| 2013-12-16 |
| Central African Republic's interim leader is considering a possible amnesty for militias involved in the violence that has killed hundreds of people, most of them civilians, in exchange for their disarmament. The majority-Christian country has been hit by waves of killing, torture and looting since Michel Djotodia's mainly Muslim Seleka militants seized power in March. Djotodia has since lost control of his former fighters, whose abuses have led to the emergence of militias, known as the anti-balaka, meaning anti-machete in the local Sango language, opposing them. In a sign of continued instability within the transitional administration, Djotodia dismissed three government officials on Sunday, including Security Minister Josue Binoua whose home was raided by police during the violence last week. The firing of the three ministers risks increasing tensions because it was not carried out under the terms of an accord that led to the formation of the transitional government. The former militant leader said in a state radio address late on Saturday that he had been contacted by a representative of the mainly Christian and animist anti-balaka, who are demanding inclusion in the transitional government he heads. Elections are due to take place in 2015, however the government exerts little control even within the capital. The anti-balaka, along with gunmen loyal to ousted President Francois Bozize, attacked Bangui last week, triggering more killings and reprisals that have deepened the conflict. More than 500 people were killed and 189,000 have been displaced in the capital alone. A government spokesman said that Djotodia won't rule out any demands made by the anti-balaka and was planning to reach out to other groups for similar talks - which might include the Seleka militants. |
| Posted by:ryuge |