22 killed in CAR

BANGUI: At least 22 people were killed in a string of raids on villages in the Central African Republic this week, as an escalation in violence threatened to derail a visit by the pope later this month, as well as crucial elections.

Pope Francis has already hinted his trip could be cancelled if the attacks worsen, although government and church authorities in Bangui have said the visit will be peaceful.

The former French colony descended into inter-religious violence two and a half years ago after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power, sparking reprisal killings by Christian anti-balaka militias.

‘Pray for Trump’

WASHINGTON: US presidential candidate Ben Carson recommended praying for rival Donald Trump after the realestate mogul and television personality, in a 95-minute rant in Iowa, likened him to a child molester, Carson’s business manager said yesterday.

“When I spoke with Dr Carson about this yesterday how we should respond, you know he was so sad about it. He said: ‘Pray for him.’ He feels sorry for him because he really likes Mr Trump,” Armstrong Williams, who often acts as Carson’s surrogate in the media, told CNN.

“To see him just imploding before our very eyes – it’s just sad to watch,” Williams said.