Central African Republic ceasefire in tatters after clashes

The Central African Republic’s Muslim rebels and Christian militia accused each other yesterday of violating a ceasefire deal signed last month, following days of clashes in the country’s remote north.

In an apparent sign of the strain of the continuing violence on the country’s interim government, a presidential spokesman said yesterday the cabinet had stepped down.

“The head of state asked for and obtained the resignation of the prime minister Andre Nzapayeke and his government,” the spokesman said, without naming a new prime minister.

The signing of the ceasefire two weeks ago in the neighbouring Congo Republic raised hopes of a political solution to sectarian violence that has killed thousands and displaced more than a million people since the Muslim Seleka fighters seized power in March 2013.

The Christian “anti-balaka” armed in response to a wave of abuses by Seleka fighters last year, pushing the rebels northward. Tens of thousands of Muslims fled militia violence into the Seleka-controlled enclave.

Seleka said militia leaders had launched a wave of attacks on its territory in the north following last month’s signing. – (Reuters)