Deadly clashes as French pull out of CAR

THE capital of the Central African Republic (CAR) was rocked by deadly overnight clashes hours before French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian formally ended a military operation there yesterday, hailing it as a “success”.

Local sources said about 10 people had been killed in a settling of scores between armed groups on Sunday in the restive Muslim PK5 neighbourhood of Bangui. The toll had yet to be confirmed by the UN force MINUSCA – which will be alone in facing the militia terrorising civilians now France is ending its Sangaris operation, begun three years ago to halt mass killings in the former French colony.

Residents were continuing to flee the area around PK5 yesterday, fearing further bloodshed. Renewed killings have shaken the country, spearheaded by rival Muslim and Christian militia groups. Many Central Africans are worried to see the French troops go, although the UN has deployed a force of over 12,000 men.

The latest clashes came just after Le Drian arrived Sunday to wind up the mis- sion launched at the end of 2013 to prevent a feared genocide after president Francois Bozize was ousted from power.

Prominent CAR politician and former presidential candidate Anicet Georges Dologuele challenged Le Drian, stating “Sangaris is pulling out far too early. Our security forces are not ready to take up the baton. The UN forces are more and more overwhelmed in their firefighting role.”

“It’s always too early,” Le Drian countered. “These responsibilities are above all your own.”