Murder and Hatred in the Central African Republic

558 Words2 Pages

In 2007, rebel groups including the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity, the Union of Republican Forces, and the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace formed an group called Seleka, meaning alliance (Warner). On March 15, 2013, Seleka captured Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic, and killed members of peacekeeping units (Tognini). Believing that President Francois Bozize had gone back on a peace deal, Seleka ousted him and he fled to Cameroon (Karimi). Wanting greater representation, the Muslim rebel group’s aim was to take over power in the Central African Republic ("Muslim-Christian Conflict Threatens Central African Republic"). After Bozize left, episodes of violence and looting increased (Karimi). In August of 2013, Seleka leader Michel Djotodia was made president (Smith “Unspeakable horrors...”). In September, Djotodia dissolved Seleka and denied that a religious conflict was occurring (Karimi). The anti-balaka had been formed by President Bozize to combat gangs and once the violent episodes began, the group was used as opposition for Seleka and the ...

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