29 Dec 2013

Hundreds flee Central African Republic

5:50 pm on 29 December 2013

Hundreds of Chadians fled violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Saturday, joining thousands who have left in the past week.

Chadians have been fleeing the CAR city of Bangui by land and air.

Chadians have been fleeing the CAR city of Bangui by land and air. Photo: AFP

Fighting in the Central African Republic (CAR) has intensified in recent weeks - between Christians and Muslims - despite the presence of 1600 French soldiers and nearly 4000 African Union troops deployed to protect civilians.

Chadians living in the CAR have been accused by some of backing anti-government rebels called the Seleka.

Similar accusations have been made about the Chadian contingent of the African peacekeeping force in the CAR.

The CAR has been wracked by violence since March when the Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize.

The BBC reports the conflict has become increasingly sectarian in tone, with the mostly Muslim Seleka militia clashing with Christian groups.

Some Muslim Central Africans are reported to be among those fleeing the country.