Conflict Central: Death Toll Rises in Central African Republic as Sectarian Fighting Continues

The sectarian fighting in Central African Republic (CAR) continues to intensify as international troops pour in to stabilize the landlocked African country. Tensions have been brewing in the predominantly Christian country since March, when Muslim rebels overthrew the president. The armed rebels have since been accused of committing atrocities against civilians, the Associated Press reported.

The death toll has surpassed 500 people in the past week, on-site aid officials told reporters. On Tuesday, Central African Red Cross President Antoine Mbao Bogo said aid workers had gathered 461 bodies across the capital of Bangui since Thursday. According to the AP, that number does not include Muslim victims who were taken to mosques for burial.

Meanwhile, foreign troops hoping to ease tensions and stabilize the country have continued to flood in. On Thursday, the U.S. military was expected to begin flying in Burundi forces to Bangui. According to CNN, the U.S. will use two C-17s stationed in Uganda to transport forces. The announcement to help in the transport of African and European peacekeeping troops was made on Monday by the Pentagon.

A military official told CNN that U.S. planes will remain on the ground for short periods to avoid the violence, however, the official said the U.S. believes its planes and crews will be safe because Bangui’s airport is controlled by French forces.

Following the Pentagon's announcement on Monday, President Obama called on CAR’s citizens to refrain from violence. “Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Obama said. “Meanwhile, as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security, the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians.”

Discussions on any additional assistance the United States is willing to provide will continue, CNN reported.

Both France and the African Union (AU) have bolstered the number of troops heading to CAR to help restore order. On Thursday, deputy chairman Erastus Mwencha announced the AU planned to increase its African-led troops from 3,500 to 5,000.

“The authorization which was given by the UN Security Council is around 3,500, but given the recent decisions and because of this surge in sectarian conflict, one is looking at 5,000 plus,” Mwencha said. “And so this is the challenge we are trying to deal with because with increased numbers...you need the capacity to airlift them, and give them logistical supplied to be able to carry out the mission as envisaged.”

Mwencha noted that the AU’s international partners, including the European Union and the United States, had pledged financial support.

France has 1,600 troops in its former colony’s capital as it works to disarm both Muslim and Christian fighters. On Monday, French officials announced forces had been able to restore some stability to Bangui, although some skirmishes had occurred. During the overnight fighting, two French soldiers, marine paratroopers from the 8th Regiment based in Castres, died during the ambush.

Religious leaders have called on both Muslim and Christian fighters to end the carnage being wrought on civilians. According to Reuters, religious leaders met on Wednesday in Bangui to distribute food to more than 1,000 displaced civilians.

Speaking to a crowd of Christians, Imam Oumar Kobine Layam, president of the Islamic Central African community, said, “We are here because we are brothers first and foremost. Today we are listening to the young to see what they propose because our house is burning down and we need to try to put out the fire.”

However, Christian distrust of Muslims caused many to refuse the food offered by Layam, Reuters reported.

“Since we’ve been here, Muslims have never given us anything,” displaced Christian Missili Ndiaye told reporters. “We don’t know what they’ve put inside it - it might be poisoned.”

On Thursday, Amnesty International called on the AU to clarify its peacekeeping mission in CAR. Amnesty International’s Africa Director, Netsanet Belay, said, “A clear plan and concrete action are urgently needed from the African Union to prevent the crisis in Central African Republic spiralling completely out of control.”