Tag: Central African Republic

CAR President names country’s first ever Muslim Prime Minister

August 12, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Bambari, Bangui, Bossangoa, Catherine Samba-Panza, Central African Republic, Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Nicolas Guérékoyamé-Gbangou, Oumar Kobine Layama, Seleka, UN

Portrait of a Fulani woman and her children in Central African Republic. May 19, 2014World Watch Monitor The President of the Central African Republic has replaced the Christian Prime Minister with a Muslim as part of a peace deal to end deadly violence that has ravaged the country for . . . Read More

Priest pioneers peace process amid CAR’s chaos

June 29, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Bozoum, Central African Republic, Seleka

Despite the Central Africa Republic (CAR)’s increasing level of chaos, a glimmer of hope has been developing in its northern city Bozoum – which is peaceful and prosperous – thanks to mediation efforts. This city of about 26,000 inhabitants enjoys a relative calm which ensures the functioning of vital services . . . Read More

‘Ample evidence’ of war crimes in CAR

June 6, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Central African Republic, Genocide, Seleka

According to the UN, it is too early to speak of genocide or ethnic cleansing, but there is “ample evidence” that both groups in the conflict in the Central African Republic have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. CAR’s widespread religious conflict began last year when mainly Muslim Seleka . . . Read More

Tensions high in CAR after church and mosque attacked

May 29, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Bangui, Bossangoa, Catherine Samba-Panza, Central African Republic, PK5, Seleka

An attack at Fatima Catholic Church in Bangui following by ex-Seleka on May 28, 2014 left numerous dead. No structural damage happened to the church in CAR.World Watch Monitor Tension is high in the Central African Republic capital, Bangui, as protesters clashed with security forces following a deadly attack . . . Read More

Grenade attack on Central African Republic church

May 29, 2014 Central African Republic Bangui, Central African Republic, Islamic extremism, Seleka, UN

Militant Islamists poured grenades and gunfire into a Catholic church compound in the Central African Republic capital of Bangui on Wednesday, killing an undetermined number of people, including a priest. The Associated Press said its journalists counted five bodies at local hospitals, but also cited a priest who estimated as . . . Read More

CAR Seleka rebels reorganise for ‘greater control’

May 21, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Bangui, Central African Republic, Seleka, Sharia

The Seleka rebel group in Central African Republic (CAR) says it has reorganised itself to exercise greater control over its fighters in the north by implementing a new chain of command. The extreme Islamist Seleka rebels started capturing major towns in the CAR’s Eastern and Central regions in December 2012. . . . Read More

Easter killings in CAR

April 24, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Bossangoa, Central African Republic, Paoua, Seleka, UN

On April 8 radical Muslims set fire to the Baptist Church in Dombia, CAR. The chapel that can hold about 1,000 members was still burning the next day.World Watch Monitor For many Christians in the Central African Republic, Easter was synonymous with tragedy, adding to their already difficult circumstances. . . . Read More

Seleka releases Bossangoa Catholics

April 17, 2014 Central African Republic Bossangoa, Central African Republic, Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Seleka, UN

The Archbishop of Bossangoa and three priests were released within 24 hours of being kidnapped by Seleka rebels in the Northern town of the Central African Republic. “I spoke to him and he told me he is well”, said the Archbishop of Bangui, Dieudonné Nzapalainga, adding that they are now . . . Read More

Chad is withdrawing its troops from CAR

April 2, 2014 Central African Republic African Union, Central African Republic, Chad, Seleka

The neighbouring nation has contributed roughly 850 soldiers of the 6,000 strong African Union peace keeping contingent that is also backed by about 2,000 French troops. The troops were meant to serve as part of the larger peace keeping force but are no longer welcome due to their alleged links . . . Read More

CAR clerics plead for ceasefire

February 28, 2014 Central African Republic Anti-balaka, Bangui, Catherine Samba-Panza, Central African Republic, Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Michel Djotodia, Nicolas Guérékoyamé-Gbangou, Oumar Kobine Layama, Refugees, Seleka, UN

Two of the most senior religious leaders in the Central African Republic have issued a joint plea for a truce between retreating militant rebels and vigilantes who have been taking their revenge. “May all the brothers carrying weapons hand over their arms,” said the Catholic Archbishop of Bangui, Msgr. Dieudonné . . . Read More

Catching Our Eye