Muslims Vulnerable in CAR
Almost one million people, or a quarter of the population, have been displaced by fighting since the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel group seized power in March in the majority Christian country. At least 2 000 people have been killed.
In recent days, Seleka fighters have steadily abandoned the riverside capital Bangui, leaving Muslim civilians at the mercy of Christian militia, known as 'anti-balaka' or 'anti-machete' in the local Sango language.
Looting and mob violence mainly targeting predominantly Muslim neighbourhoods of Bangui have intensified despite the presence of a 1 600-strong French intervention force and thousands of African peacekeepers.
A spokesperson for the local Red Cross said it had recovered 13 dead bodies from the streets of Bangui on Monday, in both Christian and Muslim neighbourhoods, and treated eight wounded.
"The security and human rights situation has further deteriorated over the past few days," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said in a statement.
"Muslim civilians are now extremely vulnerable. Many are being pushed out of the country, alongside ex-Seleka, and are now fleeing, mostly towards the Chadian border," she said.
"We simply cannot let the social fabric of this country be torn apart," Pillay said. "I call as a matter of utmost urgency upon the international community to strengthen peacekeeping efforts... Many lives are at stake."
Source: Reuters
