adminBANGUI. — Central African Republic’s president flew into exile in Benin on Saturday and a new interim team started the process of identifying leaders who might restore order to a nation gripped by months of inter-religious violence. There were hopes that the change of leadership might provide a fresh start to peace efforts but gunfire rang out, mosques were attacked and Muslim-owned shops and houses were looted overnight before violence eased during the day.
The United Nations called for calm and stepped up flights out for foreigners. Governments of other African countries have evacuated nearly 30 000 of their citizens caught up in the violence.
President Michel Djotodia and Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye quit on Friday under intense international pressure after they failed to halt cycles of violence that have killed thousands and driven a million people, a quarter of the country’s population, from their homes.
Late on Friday, thousands of people took to the streets of Bangui, the country’s crumbling riverside capital, to celebrate the departure of Djotodia, who was swept to power by mainly Muslim rebels, known as Seleka, last March.
Abuses by Seleka forces had led to the creation of Christian self-defense militia and killings that evoked memories of Rwanda’s genocide 20 years ago.
Djotodia landed in Benin on Saturday afternoon after Central African regional leaders asked the country to host him, according to a statement by Benin’s government. — Reuters.
Online Reporter