7 former Seleka fighters killed, 5 injured in CAR: official
Date 2013/4/17 16:10:00 | Topic: Democratic Republic of the Congo
| Seven former Seleka fighters have been killed, and five others injured in the Central African Republic (CAR), an official says.
General Ousman Mahamat made the remarks at a press conference in Bangui on Tuesday, saying the incident took place in Boy-Rabe, a northern neighborhood of the capital, AFP reported.
"Seven Seleka members, who had been disarmed by military police were killed, and five wounded on Monday evening and Tuesday morning in Boy-Rabe by armed men and civilians," Mahamat said.
Mahamat said the fighters had been disarmed in an attempt to calm down the situation in Boy-Rabe, which is the scene of repeated pillaging and violence.
He added that one of those killed had his scar shattered by a large stone.
According to residents, many areas of Bangui, including Boy-Rabe, have been looted by people, many of whom claimed to be members of the Seleka.
Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said the security situation in the African country was deteriorating.
Pillay said at least 119 people were killed since the Seleka took power, adding, “We have also received reports of 19 cases of sexual violence against women and girls in the town of Berberati as well as three in Bangui.”
"I call on all parties involved in the crisis to ensure the effective implementation of the Libreville Peace Agreements and to make a serious joint effort to put an end to the prevailing insecurity and violence plaguing the country," she added.
On January 11, the CAR president and representatives of the Seleka fighters signed an agreement in Libreville, Gabon after three days of negotiations brokered by regional neighbors.
Leading thousands of the Seleka rebels, Michel Djotodia captured Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from Francois Bozizé, the then CAR president, on March 24.
Following the coup, Djotodia created a transitional government headed by Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye and promised elections in three years.
The Seleka fighters launched an offensive against the CAR government in December 2012.
There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.
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