The UN Security Council has authorised increased military action by France and African troops to try to end near-anarchy in the Central African Republic.
The council unanimously approved a French-sponsored resolution aimed at restoring security and protecting civilians in the impoverished country.
The authorisation is expected to lead to an increase in troops for anAfrican Union-led force and French troops.
The nation has seen an upsurge in Muslim-Christian violence along with widespread killings, torture and rapes.
Earlier, at least 16 people were killed and dozens of civilians wounded when heavy gunfire erupted in the capital.
The fighting was between the mostly Muslim fighters who control the nation and Christians who support its ousted president.
French foreign minister Laurent Fabius has warned that the country is on "the verge of genocide".
An attack earlier this week, blamed on Christian fighters, killed nearly a dozen women and children in a remote community.
Mr Fabius said that military intervention would unfold swiftly after the UN vote, saying that the French deployment would total around 1,200, with 600 troops already in place.
"We have to end this humanitarian catastrophe and restore security," Mr Fabius said.
The fighting left at least 16 dead and 45 wounded, said Sylvain Groulx, head of mission for Doctors Without Borders. The toll included only those bodies taken to two hospitals in Bangui, leaving open the possibility of further deaths.
Incoming French ambassador Charles Malinas confirmed that the homes of Prime Minister Nicholas Tiangaye and President Michel Djotodia were looted during the violence.
Crackles of gunfire first erupted around 6am and lasted several hours. French forces patrolled in light vehicles and armoured personnel carriers.
By midday, the country's president - installed by the rebel forces earlier this year - said the fighting was over and called for an end to the conflict.
"Everything is calm. Everything is fine," he said.
The former rebel coalition known as Seleka, which now claims control of the government, is an unlikely group of allies who united a year ago with the goal of forcing President Francois Bozize from the presidency after a decade in power.
After thousands of rebels besieged Bangui in March, Mr Bozize fled and the insurgents installed their leader as president.
No comments:
Post a Comment