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Brazil says concerned over CAR violence
December 10, 2013, 5:14 am

At least 459 people have been killed when militants clashed with civilians in Bangui alone since Thursday, according to Red Cross officials [Getty Images]

At least 459 people have been killed when militants clashed with civilians in Bangui alone since Thursday, according to Red Cross officials [Getty Images]

Brazil on Monday expressed concern over the “deterioration of political and institutional framework in the Central African Republic (CAR),” where violence claimed hundreds of lives last week.

“The Brazilian government supports the efforts of the Economic Community of Central African States and of the African Union towards promoting peaceful dialogue that allows the return of institutional normality in Central African Republic as soon as possible,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

At least 459 people have been killed when militants clashed with civilians in Bangui alone since Thursday, according to Red Cross officials.

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday said “the situation worsens daily” and thousands are fleeing the violence in the African country.

“The deteriorating security situation over the past several days has contributed to the escalation of unlawful killings, sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers and other grave crimes, across the country,” Fatou Bensouda said in a statement.

The landlocked African country has suffered a humanitarian crisis since Seleka fighters attacked the government in December 2012, ending in March with the dismissal of president Francois Bozize.

A transitional government established afterwards failed in its peace efforts due to new conflicts in the northern region of the country since August.

Meanwhile, France boosted its military presence in its former colony to 1,600 troops over the weekend.

Source: Agencies