Ban calls for end of inter-religious violence in Central African

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is "appalled" by the continuing inter-communal violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including recent reports of dozens of bodies littering the capital Bangui. He is also "saddened" by the deaths of six Chadian peacekeepers from the African-led International Support Mission (MISCA), his press office said in a statement late Thursday. "He calls on all parties and citizens to cooperate with the African Union and French forces," the statement said, explaining that their "mission is to provide desperately needed security. They are not part of the conflict between Central Africans." Christians in CAR attacked the Muslim Chadian peacekeepers, believing they were sent to protect Muslims in the Country, while Muslims attack the French forces believing they were sent to protect the Christians. Ban urged the Transitional Authorities of the CAR to uphold their responsibilities to rein in those fomenting and perpetrating the inter-religious violence, warning that those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable. He welcomed at the same time the appeals for peace by religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, and expressed hope that leaders at all levels will reinforce this message. He reaffirmed the full UN commitment to help the CAR emerge from this "terrible" crisis and to build peace, stressing the urgency at this time to provide security and protection for the civilian population, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and create the conditions for a negotiated and orderly return to constitutional order. Violence erupted in the country when the majority Christian population tried to topple the Muslim government that took power in a coup last March.