France and the Militarization of Central Africa: Thousands of Muslims Fleeing the Central African Republic | Global Research

France and the Militarization of Central Africa: Thousands of Muslims Fleeing the Central African Republic | Global Research

Unrest is continuing in the
mineral-rich state of the Central African Republic as French and African
Union (AU) peacekeeping troops are patrolling the capital of Bangui and
other areas. France has announced that it will be deploying an
additional 400 troops to its former colony.

Also the European Union (EU) has
committed to sending in 1,000 of its soldiers as attacks against Muslims
are resulting in more injuries and deaths. Tens of thousands of people
in the Islamic community have fled the country or re-located to
internally displaced persons camps.

The government of interim President
Catherine Samba-Panza has pledged to put a halt to the targeted violence
against Muslims. Several leaders of the anti-Balaka militias have been
arrested.

According to the Associated Press

“Officials in Central African Republic say 11 men
including leaders of the Christian anti-Balaka militia have been
transferred to the capital’s main prison.

The men were detained during a disarmament program Saturday.” (February 17)

This article continues saying “They are
the first prisoners taken into custody by the government of transitional
President Catherine Samba-Panza. Justice Minister Isabelle Gaudeuille
declined to name the suspects or specify the allegations against them.
But Jean-Pierre Sadou of the African peacekeeping mission said they
included multiple anti-Balaka leaders.”

The anti-Balaka militias grew up among
the majority Christian population in the CAR in response to atrocities
committed by the Muslim-dominated Seleka Coalition which seized power in
March 2013. Seleka was led by Michel Djotodia, who served as interim
president from March 2013 to January of this year.