Bangui – Violence in Central African Republic pitting Muslim fighters against Christian civilians has killed 21 people so far this week, including two who were publicly executed in front of a courthouse, witnesses said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The latest clashes erupted after villagers in Liwa, located 10km outside of the central town of Bambari, killed two Muslim men on a motorcycle on Monday, residents said. In response, fighters descended on both Liwa and Bambari, throwing grenades and burning more than 100 houses, said Bambari resident Nono Azoundja.<\/p>\n
After taking four people hostage, the fighters quickly executed two of them in front of the Bambari courthouse, which Seleka leaders have been using as a headquarters, Azoundja said.<\/p>\n
French and African forces had arrived in Liwa to restore calm and conduct an investigation, he said.<\/p>\n
Some of the fighters were affiliated with the Seleka rebel coalition that overthrew then-President Francois Bozize in March 2013, triggering the country’s latest slide into turmoil.<\/p>\n
Seleka leader Michel Djotodia became transitional president, but he was forced to resign in January amid mounting international outrage over human rights abuses committed by the rebel fighters.<\/p>\n
Christian militias have since sought revenge for atrocities committed during Djotodia’s rule. The sectarian violence has left thousands dead and forced nearly 1 million people to flee their homes…<\/p>\n