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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Clashes kill 14 in Central African Republic |
| 2013-10-07 |
| Fourteen people have been killed in clashes between Christians and Muslims in an isolated town in eastern Central African Republic that began last week, sources said on Sunday. The impoverished nation has descended into chaos since northern Seleka militants seized the capital, Bangui, and ousted President Francois Bozize in March. In Bangassou, around 750 km east of the capital Bangui, residents said Seleka fighters had backed the town's Muslims during the battles, which lead to the deaths of four people on Saturday. Bangassou's Catholic Bishop Juan José Aguirre said, "All four of those killed were from the Christian community. We're overwhelmed, inundated by thousands of men, women, and children seeking refuge from the fighting at the diocese." Clashes first broke out on Tuesday after Christians organized a march to protest abuses by Seleka's predominantly Muslim fighters based in the town. Bangassou police official Edouard Mbiga said, "Muslim community members, backed by Seleka, brought out weapons and blocked the march. The situation deteriorated and there were 10 deaths on both sides. It all a started from that." Michel Djotodia, who swept to power as the head of the Seleka uprising, was officially sworn in as the country's president in August. His attempts to rein in his ex-militant supporters, including firing the head of the army and formally dissolving Seleka, have not curbed the violence, leading to calls, especially from former colonial power France, for an intervention force. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said, "It's an appalling situation ... There are abuses every day - thefts, rapes, murders. We have troops there. The Africans also have troops. And we are working with the United Nations, African Union and regional organisations to find a solution for peace." |
| Posted by:ryuge |