UN troops, Seleka rebels clash in Central African Republic
Several people are feared dead as clashes have erupted between the UN peacekeepers and members of Seleka militia group in the Central African Republic.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) said in a statement on Tuesday that the fierce fighting broke out in the eastern mining town of Bria.
The clashes took place after the UN forces, backed by French soldiers, attempted to evict members of the hostile armed group from government buildings in the troubled region.
“The operation, which took place after the repeated refusal of the armed group to peacefully evacuate the premises, was aimed at ending the existence of a parallel administration in Bria,” the statement read.
A source close to the foreign forces said on condition of anonymity that several people were killed and injured during the battle.
In late January, Seleka members had also blocked a government delegation from visiting Bria for a meeting with residents on efforts at national reconciliation.
UN works for security of Bangui
The Central African Republic has been convulsed by turmoil since December 2013, when Christian armed groups launched coordinated attacks against the mostly Muslim Seleka group that toppled the government in March that year.
Thousands of people are believed to have been killed and over one million displaced by the conflict so far.
The African Union has deployed nearly 5,600 peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. An additional 2,000 French troops have been also dispatched to help maintain security in a country of 4.6 million people.
In October 2014, the security situation in the capital, Bangui, started to worsen, prompting the UN to declare that more troops were required to protect the city and critical infrastructure as well as senior CAR officials.
The interim government in Bangui, which is supported by international peacekeepers, is currently trying to pave the way for a peaceful election in the country.
JR/HSN/SS
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