Missionary: Muslim rebel coalition controls 60% of Central African Republic

July 06, 2016

Séléka, the Muslim rebel coalition that assumed power in the Central African Republic for 10 months in 2013-14, is again expanding its reach and now controls 60% of the nation’s territory, according to a missionary priest.

“False information is frequently put out on the Internet, claiming that Muslims have been killed or tortured-- as though someone is trying to stoke the unrest,” Father Aurelio Gazzera told Aid to the Church in Need.

The recent abduction of police officers in Bangui, the nation’s capital, “confirms the extreme weakness of the government,” Father Gazzera added, as he called for dialogue to ward off increasing civil strife.

 

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Further information:

• Church in Central African Republic aims to sustain the 'miracle of Pope Francis' (Aid to Church in Need)