Muslim rebels from the former Seleka group have massacred 26 Christian villagers in the Central African Republic (CAR) in what is described as the worst incident of violence the country has seen in months.
On Sept. 16, Seleka fighters started attacking the predominantly Christian village of Ndomete at 8 p.m. A source from the Democratic Republic of Congo told Morning Star News that the rebels went door-to-door and killed Christian residents.
In the last year, there have been increased clashes between the now-disbanded Seleka and the Christian "anti-Balaka" militias.
Officials from the CAR government and the United Nations said the attack in Ndomete targeted civilians. A local Christian leader has expressed doubt in the country's ability to bring order despite efforts to dampen the violence in the area.
Officials from the CAR government and the United Nations said the attack in Ndomete targeted civilians. A local Christian leader has expressed doubt in the country's ability to bring order despite efforts to dampen the violence in the area.
"If the government is not going to beef up the security, then we are going to defend ourselves," the local leader said. "We shall not keep quiet as our brothers are dying."
Seleka fighters reportedly killed 11 people in a church attack on May 28, 2014. Human Rights Watch has also recorded executions, looting, and rape done by former members of the rebel group.
When President Faustin-Archange Touadéra came into power in February, people became hopeful that the political and religious clashes would end. Unfortunately, the rebel and militia fighters are still moving outside the capital.
Meanwhile, female farmers in CAR are struggling to rebuild their lives torn by years of violence. These women have lost their husbands, children, and properties in the conflicts, but nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are now providing them with the means to start all over again, All Africa reports.
Odette Guerel-Baile, who founded the NGO called Women, Flowers of the Central African Republic, has set up a rice collective exclusive for women in Bossangoa. Another group is teaching the women how to grow and sell peanuts and lettuce in markets to make a living.
Kindly Pray for the Peace of the Central African Republic and every place that Christians are persecuted .
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