UN warns of dire situation in Central African Republic
Iran Press TV
Tue Feb 25, 2014 4:43PM GMT
The UN has warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic, cautioning against a new bloodbath as France sets to extend the stay of its troops in its former colony.
The UN's refugee agency said Tuesday that thousands of people -- mainly members of the minority Muslim community -- are at the imminent risk of attack in the conflict-torn country.
More than 15,000 people, most of them Muslims, in different locations "are at present surrounded and under threat by armed groups," UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Adrian Edwards said.
The official also called for an increase in international troops and heightened security there, saying "humanitarian efforts alone cannot be sufficient."
"Their numbers are far too low considering the size of the country and the scope of the crisis...atrocities have become frequent," Edwards added.
This is while the French parliament has moved to vote on the extension of the military intervention in the CAR beyond April.
Experts say the measure aims to extend the mission in the war-torn country.
The inter-communal violence in the Central African Republic has been ongoing since December last year, when Christian militia launched coordinated attacks against the mostly Muslim members of the Seleka group - which toppled the previous government in March 2013.
The Christian militiamen have been raging violence against the Muslims, many of whom have escaped the country to avoid being killed by the militia.
The fierce fighting in the African country reportedly claimed over 1,000 lives and forced about one million people to flee their homes last month.
GMA/PR
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