BANGUI
Three militants from the Christian anti-balaka militia were killed Friday in clashes with Muslims and French troops in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.
One anti-balaka militant was killed when militiamen attacked the pre-dominantly Muslim Kilometer 5 neighborhood in central Bangui.
Two more anti-balaka militants were killed in an exchange of fire with French troops while trying to prevent Christian militants from chasing a Muslim near the cabinet headquarters during their protest against the killing of their fellow member.
The mineral-rich central African country descended into anarchy one year ago when Muslim seleka rebels ousted Francois Bozize, a Christian who had come to power in a 2003 coup. The rebels later installed Michel Djotodia, a Muslim, as interim president.
Since last December, thousands, mostly Muslims, have been killed in sectarian bloodletting throughout the country blamed on the anti-balaka militia.
According to the UN refugee agency, around 173,000 people had been internally displaced while 37,000 others had fled to neighboring countries.
Along with French troops, there are also some 6000 African peacekeeping troops tasked with pacifying the country.
By Sylvestre Krock
englishnews@aa.com.tr
