Seleka rebels in Central African Republic
Seleka rebels in Central African Republic
At press time, South African troops were heading to Central African Republic (CAR), to work alongside CAR's Defence Force who are trying to quash a rebellion.
South African President Jacob Zuma announced the deployment of 400 troops "to render support in fulfillment of an international obligation of the Republic of South Africa towards the CAR."
Crisis started in Central African Republic in December, when the Seleka rebel coalition accused President Francois Bozize of reneging on a peace deal and demanded he step down. They seized towns in the northern part of the landlocked country and threatened to march on Bangui.
The rebels have been accused of shooting randomly, destroying properties and raping civilians.
According to the United Nations, opposition and pro-government militias are recruiting child soldiers.
Before the conflict started in December, 2,500 children were linked to various armed groups. It is anticipated that this number will rise and almost 300,000 children are believed to be currently affected by the rebellion, including family separation, sexual violence, displacement and lack of access to education and health facilities.
Peace talks have been initiated with meetings scheduled by the Foreign Ministers from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in Libreville, Gabon's capital city. The Seleka rebel coalition, opposition party officials, private sector representatives, U.N. officials and Bozize are all expected to participate in the talks.
Bozize has called on the international community, including the United States and France, to help stave off the rebellion. France ruled Central African Republic as a colony known as Ubangi-Shari, until it gained independence in 1960.
The U.S. State Department said its Ambassador and diplomatic team had left the capital, but that the United States was not cutting off diplomatic relations.