L
LequteMan
Guest
Jeffrey Feltman, UN’s Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, while briefing the UN Security Council on Monday in New York has warned that the strife in the Central African Republic (CAR) could turn into religious war and spill over the country’s borders and that it could further destabilise the whole region.
CAR was thrown into turmoil when Seleka rebels launched attacks a year ago and forced President Francois Bozize to flee in March.
“Killings in Bangui and in the rest of the country continue every day, and the population remains divided along religious affiliation.
“Access to residential neighbourhoods in Bangui is controlled either by ‘anti-Christian’ or ‘anti-Muslim’ checkpoints, manned by armed civilians.
“Similarly, localities outside Bangui like Bossangoa, Bouar, Bozoum and Paoua, among others, witness atrocities on a daily basis, including direct clashes between the Christian and Muslim communities.
“The violence and the atrocities in the CAR must stop. Those in positions of authority or influence must do more to end violence and halt grave violations against civilians, including children.
“Attacks against humanitarian personnel, and the use of civilian spaces such as schools and hospitals for military purposes must also end,’’ Feltman added.
He, however, urged all parties to the conflict of their responsibilities under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law to ensure that all those responsible for violations were held accountable.
CAR was thrown into turmoil when Seleka rebels launched attacks a year ago and forced President Francois Bozize to flee in March.
“Killings in Bangui and in the rest of the country continue every day, and the population remains divided along religious affiliation.
“Access to residential neighbourhoods in Bangui is controlled either by ‘anti-Christian’ or ‘anti-Muslim’ checkpoints, manned by armed civilians.
“Similarly, localities outside Bangui like Bossangoa, Bouar, Bozoum and Paoua, among others, witness atrocities on a daily basis, including direct clashes between the Christian and Muslim communities.
“The violence and the atrocities in the CAR must stop. Those in positions of authority or influence must do more to end violence and halt grave violations against civilians, including children.
“Attacks against humanitarian personnel, and the use of civilian spaces such as schools and hospitals for military purposes must also end,’’ Feltman added.
He, however, urged all parties to the conflict of their responsibilities under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law to ensure that all those responsible for violations were held accountable.
