Last week brought more deeply disturbing stories from the Central African Republic (CAR). If some are reporting a decrease in violence, it’s probably only because almost a quarter of the population (over one million people) have now fled their homes. In the capital city of Bangui, the balance of power has transferred to ‘anti-balaka’ militias in recent months, who are loosely organised militia groups from predominantly Christian communities. They have reportedly been carrying out ruthless attacks primarily against CAR’s Muslim population (though their attacks are not limited to these communities) in what they say is retaliation for Séléka killings and attacks on Christian communities. Meanwhile, there are reports that Séléka are regrouping in northeastern towns to start a fresh wave of violence against civilians.
The Muslim mayor of tiny CAR village Boboua was murdered in a recent anti-balaka attack. Here Dewa Adamou’s brother morns a ‘good man’.
This short video from the BBC gives a very human picture of the violence, telling the story of a country ‘filled with rage’, where those who remain do so with little or no international protection. This article from Amnesty international also demonstrates the gravity of the situation. Please be warned that they are not easy viewing or reading.
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